[AERNet] FW: Children with pets 'are more confident'

[Ike Presley]

This could help the adopt-a-pet programs. 

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Subject: Children with pets 'are more confident'

24Dash.com (UK)
Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Children with pets 'are more confident'

By Pam Caulfield

Published: 02/05/2007 - 13:17:21 PM  

Children who have pets are 'less stressed and more confident' Scientific
research from the Pet Health Council has found that children who have
regular contact with animals have higher levels of self confidence and
reduced stress levels.

The work by Joseph Clarke School, Highams Park, London, for the visually
impaired becomes more important in light of this research.

The Petplan Charitable Trust, which has donated grants to the Joseph
Clarke School for 5 years, has found that animals enable children to
learn more about caring for others.

All the children at Joseph Clarke school are visually impaired and have
some degree of learning disabilities.

The Pet Health Council's research indicates 80% of children feel that
their animal helped them interact better with their family and friends.

Petplan Charitable Trust has been providing Joseph Clarke School with
financial support for a number of years and this money is used for the
maintenance and general up keep of the animals.

In class 5 there is a mini menagerie of animals, including guinea pigs,
fish and wild birds. The interaction with the animals allows the
children to learn how to cope with the animals and how to ensure they
are fed and healthy.

Ms Timmons, a teacher at Joseph Clarke School said, "The animals provide
the children with a break from the academic day and give them the
lifelong skills to care for something.

"We at Joseph Clarke intend to provide a stimulating and supportive
atmosphere for the children and consequently offer first hand, tactile
experiences, which is vital for pupils with a visual impairment. We are
also adamant that the animals provide the children with a sense of
responsibility and raises their self esteem."

David Simpson, Chair of Trustees for the Trust added, "We at Petplan
Charitable Trust believe that animals can have an important impact on
the development of children both mentally and emotionally.

"The grants that the Trust provides for Joseph Clarke go some way to
making sure that their animals are fed, watered and cared for." 


http://www.24dash.com/education/20089.htm

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