A 5-year-old dog named Balto is helping sixth-grade students at Sainte Jeanne d'Arc institute in Brignoles manage emotions and improve learning through calming animal mediation sessions.
Animal mediation in a classroom
In the classroom of the Sainte Jeanne d'Arc institute in Brignoles, a unique initiative is taking place. Sixth-grade students are participating in an animal mediation experience involving a 5-year-old dog named Balto, a crossbreed of a Tervueren shepherd and a Majorque shepherd.Balto's role and routine
The dog shares his life between cuddles and moments of relaxation and is used to help students manage their emotions. The initiative is led by Marie-Christine Laussucq, a Spanish teacher with 35 years of experience at the institution, and canine educator Astrid Contessa.Target group and schedule
The program is aimed at a group of twelve students enrolled in specific classes or facing learning difficulties. Twice a month, during the midday break, the students engage in these sessions with the animal.Purpose and impact
According to Nice-Matin, the goal is not only to offer a recreational break but to use this calming environment to approach reading, writing and arithmetic without any feeling of judgment. The presence of the dog helps students free themselves from their worries and express themselves more freely, leading to regained smiles and visible progress.Parental feedback and student bonding
Some parents have noticed that their children now look forward to entering school in the morning. As a sign of the bond formed, students have started attaching touching little words to Balto's harness at the end of each session to thank him.Future plans for the program
The teaching team hopes to continue and expand these canine meetings, which have brought smiles back to the students.
