Bonn. The book “Practical Knowledge of School Dogs” offers well-founded and comprehensive instructions on the use of dogs in everyday school life. A particular focus is on the question of how school dogs support children with a special education focus on intellectual development (SGE) can promote.
As early as 1,000 years ago, people specifically involved animals in caring for family members with disabilities. There are also records from the 18th century of how animals helped care for the mentally ill. So it is not surprising that teachers today include trained dogs in all types of schools and especially in special education contexts.
Chapter on neurodidactics in special education
The authors, Dr. Holger Schäfer, Karin Schönhofen and Prof. Dr. Andrea Beetz takes a close look at this in her book “Practical Knowledge for School Dogs”. They first explain the most important basics of animal-assisted interventions – research-based and teaching-oriented. Which terms and definitions should you know? How does animal contact affect people? What mechanisms are at work, what hormones are behind them? In particular, the chapter on neurodidactics and the principles of teaching-learning research shown here are described for the first time in a special education context and illustrate the potential of the cooperation of a school dog.
All-round instructions for teachers with school dogs
If you want to work with your dog in an inclusive school day, you need more than just theoretical background knowledge. The authors therefore outline the current legal framework as well as useful information about training people and dogs. In the second half of the book, teachers receive practical tips and concept ideas – for example, how to structure the dialogue with parents, what animal protection can look like in an all-day school, how treats can be used in an animal-friendly manner, which materials, rest areas and methodological considerations are necessary.
Photos and sketches illustrate facts
As a suggestion for teaching practice in the various school subjects, the authors provide teachers with concrete didactic perspectives for mathematics, German and non-fiction lessons. Options for action for specific learning areas in special education settings such as communication and cooperation, perception and self-care as well as psychomotor skills, sport and exercise are also not neglected.
In each chapter, readers receive information about further literature, observation and reflection sheets or useful Internet links. Photos, sketches and graphics illustrate the information. Dealing with special situations such as school trips, hiking days or saying goodbye to a beloved school dog is also discussed. This guide is not only suitable for special education teachers, but also for all teachers who want to specifically support children and young people with their own dog.
Holger Schäfer, Karin Schönhofen and Andrea Beetz
Practical knowledge school dog –
Special education focus: intellectual development
202 pages,
35 illustrations
Kohlhammer Publishing Group
ISBN 978–3170433939
Price: 36 euros
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