In this enlightening conversation, Barbara Vokatis and Sharlet Jensen explore the transformative power of animal-assisted therapy in education, particularly in the realm of speech pathology. They discuss the challenges faced by children with communication difficulties, the role of therapy dogs in facilitating learning and emotional regulation, and practical strategies for educators and therapists to incorporate animals into their practices. The discussion highlights real-life success stories and the importance of creating supportive learning environments.
Takeaways:
-Animal-assisted therapy can significantly improve children's engagement in learning.
-Speech pathologists often work with complex cases that require innovative approaches.
-Therapy dogs can help reduce anxiety and facilitate communication in children.
-Creating a calm environment is essential for effective learning.
-Incorporating animals into therapy can help children develop social skills.
-Parents appreciate the positive impact of therapy dogs on their children's progress.
-Transitioning activities with the help of animals can ease children's resistance.
-Children often respond better to animals than to adults in therapeutic settings.
-The importance of collaboration between therapists and schools cannot be overstated.
-There is a growing need for education on anxiety and its impact on learning.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Speech Pathology and Animal-Assisted Intervention
01:47 Understanding Speech Therapy and Its Impact
04:32 The Role of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Education
08:57 Addressing Anxiety and Behavioral Challenges in Children
12:51 Creating Safe Learning Environments for Children
15:40 Practical Strategies for Incorporating Animals in Therapy
19:58The Role of Therapy Dogs in Education
22:31 Innovative Approaches to Speech Therapy
25:46 Monitoring Interactions for Safety
28:41 Transformative Moments with Therapy Dogs
30:16 Resources and Community Engagement
Please connect with Sharlet:
Website: www.speechdogs.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speech_dogs/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552348942052
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Speech_Dogs
Please connect with the host, Dr. Barb, at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!