Oct 6, 2018, Morristown (TN) Citizen Tribune: Russellville Elementary starts reading program
https://www.citizentribune.com/education/russellville-elementary-starts-reading-program/article_e5628ea6-c9ab-11e8-b62f-cf64469256dc.html
First grade students at Russellville Elementary are piloting the Ruff Reading program in Hamblen County Schools.
A school program is most successful when there is a partnership between the teacher and the H.A.B.I.T. (Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee) Ruff Reading volunteer. H.A.B.I.T.’s half of the equation is to bring a nonjudgmental and unconditionally loving animal that will create a supportive environment for students. On the school side, the teacher will have the opportunity to direct the use of this tool to create the best outcome for her/his students’ academic, social, or emotional development….
"The presence of dogs has a calming effect on many people. Many primary schools are becoming increasingly pressurized environments and children generally do not respond well to such pressure," Winstead said….
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Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.
Loss of Brain Trust features over 9,000 news stories published worldwide since January, 2017