September is finally here! While the children of Ireland are busy packing their school bags and off to meet their new teachers and classmates, the Education Team is also busy getting ready for another exciting year in the classroom. Here’s a sneak peak at our ‘back-to-school kit’, Dogs Trust style!
The Education Dogs:
Jake, Sadhbh, Cónán, Béibhinn and Odie are the Dogs Trust Education Dogs and spend four days a week in primary schools around Ireland, teaching children how to be responsible dog owners and how to be safe around their canine pals. These dogs-with-a-job need to be happy and comfortable in the classroom, so they never leave home without some of their favourite things:
· a yellow Dogs Trust collar, I.D. tag and harness – Education dogs have a uniform, too!
· a comfy bed or blanket
· a bowl of thirst-quenching water
· a dog toy or two for entertainment
· a brush to tame flyaway fur
· a tasty treat or two – maybe a bone to chew or a Kong filled with something yummy
The Education Officers:
Fiona, Deirdre and Dawn give four fantastic workshops a day – they meet nearly 500 children each a week! As you can imagine, their bags are bursting with fun activities and exciting items for each and every pupil. Let’s take a look inside:
· giant flashcards with doggy items make learning fun for Junior and Senior Infants
· the story of MacGyver the dog tells us what it’s like for a dog to come to Dogs Trust to find a home
· workshop cards with safety situations, the cost of a dog or dog breeds make each workshop interactive and informative
· colouring or puzzles for teacher to use after the visit
· certificates of participation
· information leaflets
· stickers
· funky Dogs Trust wristbands!
Your school can check out the website www.learnwithdogstrust.ie to find your local Education Officer, or email education@dogstrust.ie.
