Canton, IL: School discusses using therapy dogs as "a calming tool"

Dec 22, 2017, Canton (IL) Daily Ledger: Board discusses innovations in elementary education http://www.cantondailyledger.com/news/20171222/board-discusses-innovations-in--elementary--education Canton elementary schools are poised to move into “21st Century Learning” as Eastview, Lincoln and Westview work on developing professional learning communities called Makerspace. … The board also heard a report from School Social Worker Taylor Smith on the possibility of using therapy dogs in the elementary schools. Animal Assisted Therapy uses animals, in this case a dog, to help students in reducing anxiety, lowering blood pressure and improving social skills. This involves increasing empathy and compassion in such areas as anger management and relationship connections and acting as a calming tool. …