The existence of animals has been known to be very soothing and joyful to human beings, and this is more so to young children. Although Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready does not specifically offer animal-assisted therapy, the philosophies of the effectiveness of animals in treatment of children are similar to the holistic approach to development in the program. Affirmative relationships with relaxed, trained animals promote elements of social-emotional learning, self-control and motivation that are at the core of producing a child into an academic achievement. Knowledge of these advantages adds to the entire concept of Kinder Ready Tutoring, which aims at growing the whole child within a helpful and interactive setting.
One of the main advantages that has been noted in an environment where there are therapy animals among children is that it helps in the regulation of emotions and alleviates stress. Even regular petting of a tamed animal can reduce the heart rate and blood pressure, making one feel safe and calm. This effect can be very important to a young learner who feels anxious with new tasks/situations or even with social situations. It has the capacity to establish a good association with learning and reduce the affective filters which inhibit cognitive engagement. Such emphasis on the establishment of a low-stress, safe learning environment is the foundation of the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready philosophy, which acknowledges that a child should feel secure before they are able to learn.
Moreover, the contact of therapy animals with children can contribute to the acquisition of valuable social and communication skills. An animal is an unjudgmental audience for a frightened reader to practice reading aloud or a shy child to start commanding things with his voice. This has the potential to develop confidence, which is transferred to peer interactions and adults. The Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley approach gives a great deal of importance to the acquisition of these social-pragmatic skills, and the Kinder Ready Tutoring program uses methods to develop communication confidence in a similarly supportive, one-to-one environment.
An animal may also be a significant motivator and can be trained to be responsible and empathetic. Routine will support impulse control and perspective-taking: the routine of feeding a classroom pet or obeying the rules of interacting with a therapy animal visiting the classroom teaches practices such as handling things with gentle hands or talking in a low tone. These patience, gentleness and respect towards another form of living are in close touch with the character development and executive function objectives of Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready approach. Although Kinder Ready Tutoring employs numerous other stimulating tools and techniques, the main principle of making positive, meaningful interactions to develop is the same.
The interaction between young children and animals should be performed under the close supervision of the professionally trained therapy animals so that the safety and well-being of the child and the animal can be guaranteed.
Conclusively, although it is not one of the direct services provided, the idea of therapy animals with children brings out significant issues of wholesome child growth that are appealing to the mission of Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready. The support of emotional regulation, the development of social confidence, and empathy also agree with the whole picture of school readiness in the program. The expert targets the same developmental arenas, nurturing support offered by Kinder Ready Tutoring, which uses evidence-based educational approaches and makes sure that every young learner acquires the emotional strength and social skills that would help them to succeed in the classroom and even beyond.
For further details on Kinder Ready's programs, visit their website: https://www.kinderready.com/.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethFraleyKinderReady
