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Puppy Therapy in the Classroom
Enhanced Classroom Atmosphere
Strengthened Social-Emotional Learning
Strengthened Social-Emotional Learning
Foster puppies turn classrooms into lively hubs of joy and learning! Students and staff get to experience the magic of a positive, engaging environment where empathy blooms, responsibilities thrive, and lessons are learned beside wagging tails. And who doesn't want to read with a snuggly puppy?
Strengthened Social-Emotional Learning
Strengthened Social-Emotional Learning
Strengthened Social-Emotional Learning
Foster puppies in the classroom: where wagging tails meet emotional well-being! Not only does our program provide a safe and loving place for foster puppies awaiting adoption; in return they boost social-emotional skills, reduce stress, and foster mental health in students and staff one paw print at a time.
Team-building and Collaboration
Strengthened Social-Emotional Learning
Team-building and Collaboration
Experience the power of collaboration as students unite to care for their furry companions, encouraging a sense of responsibility and cooperation. Empathy not only grows for our furry friends but each other.
About Us
A Win-Win!
Our program is designed to bring puppies from a shelter to schools and business to support social and emotional health. Not only are the pups providing joy, in return they have a safe and loving place to learn and grow while they wait their fur-ever homes.
Our History
Hi! My name is Brooke and I am the founder of Foster Tales! I started fostering puppies during the pandemic while I was teaching virtually. Once we went back to the traditional classroom, I kept thinking about all the wonderful benefits the puppies could bring to the culture of our school. After much planning, we were able to pilot the program in my first grade classroom.
The Why....
- Dogs in the classroom provide both physical and emotional health benefits for students and staff. According to one study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “having a dog present in the classroom promotes a positive mood and provides significant anti-stress effects on the body.”
- The simple act of petting a dog has the effect of lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Puppy therapy also lowers stress hormones, like cortisol, and increases oxytocin. The reduced feelings of anxiety and depression enables them to focus on learning. Who wouldn't want to work hard in exchange for puppy cuddles?
- Additionally, the NIH study states that interacting with a school dog has a “social catalyst” effect, which leads to “increased stimulation of social behavior.” These relationships build respect and trustworthiness in children and help them develop a greater capacity for empathy.
Puppies are the BEST reading buddies!
- What better way to practice your reading then to a fuzzy, cozy, non-judgmental listener? Not only does reading to a puppy improve reading fluency and comprehension, it builds self esteem and confidence.
Foster Tales Puppy Therapy Curriculum
- Want to start your own puppy therapy program but don't know where to start?
- Foster Tales Puppy Therapy Guide containing the proposal, permission slip, lesson plans, classroom management tools, and tip and tricks coming this summer! Join our mailing list to get updates!
How Does Puppy Therapy in the Classroom Work?
Get Admin/District Approval
After reading my contract carefully I only needed my principal's support in piloting my Foster Tales Puppy Therapy Program. Other teachers may need to jump through additional hoops. I created the proposal slideshow and document available to purchase.
Find Rescue Partner
Reach out to your local rescue/shelter to see if they will partner with you. They are usually more than happy to get their puppies out of a shelter and socialized. A Rescue Proposal template can be found in the classroom guide.
Recruit School Community
Recruit teachers, staff, and families to help foster on the nights and weekends. Who doesn't want a puppy sleepover? Way more fun then taking home the class fish!
Permission Slips
Permission slip template available for purchase in the Guide. All students must have a signed permission slip to participate with the puppies.
Teach General Handling Techniques
Teach students about basic animal safety rules, animal communication, handling techniques and handwashing protocols.
Gather Supplies and Set Up Playpen
Buy or have donated needed supplies and set up puppy proof area. Suggested set up and supplies found in Guide.
Add puppies!
Once all permission slips are returned and pen is set up it's time to add the pups! I have 2-3 students at a time play, pet, and read to puppies in the play pen. We are collected data in multiple areas including reading fluency, social-emotional well being, and work completion.
Puppy Supplies
Here is all the puppy supplies you will need. The best puppy products!