About the Authors xiii About this Book: How to Use this Guide xvi 1 The Educational Power of Animals1 The Heart of Animal-Assisted Education 1 The Holistic Benefits 4 Understanding the Sensory Connection 4 Theoretical Foundations 5 Emotional and Social Development 8 Cognitive and Academic Skills 9 Sensory and Physical Benefits 11 Behaviour and Wellbeing 12 Example Use Cases for Cross-Curricular Integration 12 Mathematics 12 Science 12 Language Arts 12 Physical Education 12 2 Animal Therapy in Action: The Psychological Power of Animals in Education Settings15 Regulating Emotions Through Animal Interactions 15 How Animals Help Children Feel Safe, Seen and Ready to Learn 15 Regulating Emotions Through Animal Interactions 17 Therapeutic Application Focus 17 Animal-Assisted Therapy in Action 17 Animals in Emotional and Physical Therapy 21 The Therapeutic Impact of Fur, Scales and Feathers 22 Lessons from Dementia Care Practice 23 Substance Dependence Syndrome Treatment 24 Skunks and Schizophrenia 25 Animal Support in Narrative Therapy 26 A Bridge to Connection 27 3 Introducing Children to Animals and Farm Therapy (A Process)29 Laying the Groundwork 29 Understanding Your Goals 29 Bringing the Vision to Life 31 Choosing the Right Animals 31 Step by Step 36 Designing Ethical, Effective Animal-Assisted Provision 36 Matching Provision to Children''s Needs 37 Start with Why 40 You Don''t Have to Do It All at Once 40 Prep and Parents 40 Preparing Children for Animal Companions 42 Creating Safe Spaces for Learning with Animals 42 Building Routines 44 Maintaining the Environment 45 Animal Introductions Checklist 49 Intention and Planning 49 Preparing Children and Staff 50 Environment and Practical Set-Up 51 Routine Building and Integration 52 Whole-School Culture and Celebration 53 Keeping the Theory in Mind 55 Reconnecting to Purpose 55 Holding on to Your North Star 55 Using OKRs to Stay on Track 55 Scope Creep 56 Mission Creep 56 Remember Why You Started 57 4 Risk Assessing Animal Interactions58 Starting Your Risk Assessment 59 A Chance to Reflect 60 Putting It All Together 62 What Are the Hazards? 62 Adding Controls 63 Reviewing Risk Levels 64 Filling in the Blanks 65 Incorporating Feedback 66 Thinking Through the Risks Checklist 67 Setting Up for Safety Checklist 68 Avoiding Burnout Checklist 69 5 The Boring Stuff: Business Casing, Planning, and Overcoming Objections in an Educational Setting70 What Is a Business Case? 70 The Principles of a Business Case 71 1. Delivering Value Quickly 71 2. Iterative Learning 71 3. Learner-Centred Outcomes 71 4. Flexible Funding 71 Scoring Your Case - Before You Submit 72 Rough Business Case Scorecard 72 How to Use Objections 72 Building Your Business Case 74 A. Executive Summary 74 B. Objectives 74 C. Benefits 74 D.

Options Considered 76 E. Costs and Financial Plan 79 F. Risks and Mitigations 81 G. Project Plan 81 H. Conclusion and Call to Action 82 6 Farm School Is Open! Now What?83 Riverside Education: A Whole-School Approach to Animal-Assisted Learning 83 Background 83 The Challenge 84 Approach 84 Integrating Learning with Practicality 85 Making Real Progress 85 Challenges 85 A Whole-School Approach 86 Results and Impact 86 Learning Through Practice 87 Lessons Learned 87 Emzi Mills-Frater: Building an Animal Education Centre 88 Background 88 The Challenge 88 Approach 89 Inclusive, Practical Education 89 Strategic Relationships 90 Strong, Values-Driven Team Culture 90 Results and Impact 92 Lessons Learned 92 Lesley Forrester: Northern Animal Assisted Therapies and Activities (NAATA) 93 Background 94 The Challenge 94 Approach 95 Responsive, Child-Led Practice 95 Strategic Practice and Safeguarding 97 Results and Impact 97 Lessons Learned 98 Jayne Haigh: Goxhill Meadows Hearts and Minds 99 Background 99 The Challenge 100 Approach 100 Trauma-Informed and Child-Led 100 Relationships First, Paperwork Second (But Not Forgotten) 101 Results and Impact 102 Lessons Learned 103 Jenny Phillips: Starting from Scratch 104 Background 104 Approach 105 Child-Led Interaction 105 Sensory Learning 105 Never Assume 106 Lessons Learned 106 Ryan Perry: A First-Generation Farmer with a Passion for Rare Breeds and Public Service 107 Background 107 The Challenge 108 Space Costs Money - But So Does a Lack of It 109 Approach 110 Conservation and Education 110 Exploring Opportunities 1 1 1 History and Culture 1 1 1 Curriculum Links 1 1 1 Results and Impact 112 Lessons Learned 113 Josh: Noah''s ART 113 Background 113 The Challenge 114 Approach 115 Animal-Assisted Therapy, Rooted in Evidence 116 Confidence, Not Compliance 116 Results and Impact 117 Lessons Learned 117 Evidence-Informed, Person-Centred Support Works 117 The Power of Non-Verbal Communication Shouldn''t Be Underestimated 118 Quality Comes from Structure and Care 118 Small Steps Lead to Big Change 118 Cedars School, Gateshead: Animal-Assisted Wellbeing Interventions 119 Background 119 The Challenge 120 Impact 120 Lessons Learned 120 Matthew Colley: A School-Based Pracademic 121 Background 121 The Challenge 12 1 Approach 122 Focus and Empathy 123 Trauma-Informed Practice 123 Challenges 123 Results and Impact 126 Lessons Learned 126 7 No Room? Don''t Worry! Ways to Incorporate Animal Learning Without Animal Care Responsibilities128 Animal Imagery and Visual Learning 129 Simulations and Role-Playing 1 3 1 Virtual Tools and Tech-Based Learning 1 3 1 In Focus - Real-Life Examples 132 Postcards from the Hutch - A Preschool Letter-Writing Adventure 132 The Reading Tree - A Storytime Adventure with Animal Friends 133 Animal Celebration Day - A Day of Learning and Laughter 134 Chickens and Creativity - Making Observation Tangible 135 Canines, Coffee and Curriculum - A Tail-Wagging Study Support Event for Paediatric Nursing Students 135 On the Farm - Exploring Animal Therapy in Paediatric Care 136 8 FAQs and Troubleshooting140 General Questions 140 Best Animals for Different Settings 1 4 1 Common Issues and Troubleshooting 142 UK Law and Legal Considerations 142 Key Legislation 142 The Five Welfare Needs (Animal Welfare Act 2006) 143 The Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925 143 What Hooks Could Be Used in Lessons or Therapy to Capture Interest? 143 Further Resources (UK) 144 9 Finding (or Inventing) Your Own Career Path with Children and Animals145 Matthew Colley 146 Animals Came First 147 ''I Don''t Want to Be a Teacher'' 148 Abide Zenenga 150 From Research to Riverside 151 Jenny Phillips 153 Bibliography 157 Index 160.