Monty and Rosaleen in the Faythe School

Pupils and teachers in the Faythe School are very fortunate to have the services of a trained Irish Therapy Dog team coming to the school once a week. Pet therapy has been described as the use of dogs, in our case, to enhance the quality of life of children in caring environments by visiting and interacting with them. The dog therapy team of Rosaleen and Monty work to improve the lot of children in the Faythe School where they help children learn to read.

Monty comes into school with Rosaleen on Friday and usually goes to room 13 where he lies on his blanket in the middle of the floor. The children and adults sit around him on the floor too. Sometimes one of the adults might start reading a story and when Monty is looking and listening the “reading to Monty” begins. Often the children will show the picture to the others and Monty and read a few pages. While fluency is encouraged, the main aim is enjoyment of reading and being at ease socially in the company of others. There is no correction of reading during these sessions and the children are encouraged to keep reading as Monty just listens because he doesn't notice mistakes.

Children will often react to and speak to a dog more readily than to an adult. They seem able to understand the dog and can speak through him or identify a feeling in him that may be much more difficult for them to do when dealing with people. The children often choose their books by asking if Monty will like it? One child was fearful of dogs before spending time with Monty and now has a pet dog!

The children love reading for Monty and the adults involved are thrilled with the scheme. Many of the pupils in the school wish they too could read for Monty!! Long may the programme continue.

Click here to see Monty in action.

A.O'C. (SEN TEAM)