Relationship between children and animals in the Bóbita Kindergarten, Törökbálint

Abstract

I work in the Bóbita Kindergarten in Törökbálint as a conductive educator and pre-school teacher. Since September, 2013 I have small groups of children with special needs. These groups of 14–15 children are heterogeneous and some of the children have behaviour or personality/identificational problems. Since the schoolyear of 2015/2016 I organise therapy sessions with my dog which are included in the yearly curriculum of the group. Children have animal assisted education on a weekly basis. Dogs are one of the most social animal species due to their good adaptability and improved non verbal communication skills. Their simple presence motivates almost every child, gets children to move, smile or talk. While training my dog Molly, my goal was to make sure to provide her with all necessary skills to cope with children. Her kindergarten visits are preceded by careful planning (Project work – dog week). The main structure of the therapy sessions is constant, while the nature of the specific exercises is adapted to the required area of development. Children enjoy these therapy session days. They desire to improve their knowledge constantly. It is important to me that children learn the point of view that I represent, from the earliest age possible.