Making the Case for Dogs in the Classroom

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, September/October 2019 Issue

By Alex Newman

When law student Michelle Woolfrey was 16, a rare brain condition led to severe visual impairment and sight loss. For the first year or so, she walked with a cane, but unfortunately, she experienced severe bullying from her classmates.

So, she soon transferred to the School for the Blind in Brantford, ON, some 250 km away. During her second year of attendance at the new school, she received a fully-trained service Poodle named Thompson who replaced the cane. The following year, Woolfrey was able to return to her hometown of Barrie, ON, and back to her former high school.

The difference between her year with a cane, and her year with a dog, was “night and day,” she says. “I was no longer the weird girl with the stick, but Michelle with the cute dog. We became a conversation starter rather than a conversation ender, and a way for me to make friends.”

Although Thompson wasn’t formally trained as a psychiatric service dog, he quickly learned how to calm her down—since being diagnosed, Woolfrey had developed an anxiety disorder.

Dogs also assist with other special needs, especially students with autism. Retired special education teacher Margaret Marsh witnessed this firsthand during her years at the Waterloo Regional School Board in Ontario.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Alex Newman is a Toronto freelance writer and editor. Visit her website, alexnewmanwriter.com.

Education News

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

For 8th Straight Year, 100% of Success Academy Grads Accepted to 4-Year Colleges

66% of students were accepted to selective institutions. Graduates were awarded more than $20 million in financial aid.

Common Sense Media Releases New AI Toolkit for School Districts

The toolkit provides teachers and district leaders with practical tools to facilitate AI adoption.

Ohio Teacher Wins Summer Getaway in “Sunshine for Teachers” Contest

The grand prize winner and 19 first prize winners celebrated with their schools during schoolwide smoothie parties hosted by Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Alex Newman
Alex Newman
Alex Newman is a Toronto freelance writer and editor. Visit her website, alexnewmanwriter.com.

Advertisement

Read More

Exploring Indigenous Culture Through the Senses: A Transformative Learning Experience

At McKenzie Towne School in Alberta, students are learning through touch, scent, and sound with the Indigenous Sensory Box Project.

The Positive Impacts of Computer Science: What Every Teacher and Administrator Should Know

After working as both a teacher and an administrator, I know how much of a difference it can make when school leaders truly appreciate the power of computer science.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

For 8th Straight Year, 100% of Success Academy Grads Accepted to 4-Year Colleges

66% of students were accepted to selective institutions. Graduates were awarded more than $20 million in financial aid.

Anti-racism and Activist Education: Empowering the Next Generation

Educators play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of changemakers, especially when it comes to addressing racism.

Common Sense Media Releases New AI Toolkit for School Districts

The toolkit provides teachers and district leaders with practical tools to facilitate AI adoption.