A school in Indre (Centre-Val de Loire) welcomed Asterix and Obelix, two ginger kittens adopted from a shelter!
Folkeskolen’s educational teamEguzon-Chantome is convinced of the benefits of animal mediation. After the success of their 3 chickens and 2 bunnies on the playground, the teachers went a step further by inviting 2 kittens into the classrooms. An original initiative which already seems to be bearing fruit.
© Émeline Ferry – Radio France / France Bleu
A school that is already skilled in animal communication
School offEguzone already had a few farm animals: 3 chickens and 2 rabbits. The school students who were responsible for feeding and caring for them thus became more mature and responsible. The presence of animals also made it possible to soothe the children and make them more empathetic.
© Émeline Ferry – Radio France / France Bleu
“Animal mediation is a process where we try to promote children’s concentration, empathy when they are responsible for animals“, have explained Sophie Grenonprincipal of the school, France blue. “They must also take care of their well-being. It’s not just throwing a handful of seeds to the chickens, it’s checking that everything is in order.“
Faced with the success of this first experience, the educational team has therefore taken an extra step by welcoming 2 kittens. Asterix and Obelixwhose first names were chosen by the children were adopted by the association Plush 36. The students’ parents naturally gave their consent, and only one child is allergic to cat hair. The felines therefore do not come into his class, but his classmates can go and see them during recess.
© Émeline Ferry – Radio France / France Bleu
The presence of kittens allows children to develop many qualities
Since the arrival ofAsterix and Obelix, the children, like the teachers, are happy. The presence of cats in class does not distract students. It is even the opposite that happens. In the hope that the cats will rest on them, the children keep the greatest calm.
© Émeline Ferry – Radio France / France Bleu
“The children show great seriousness and even maturity”, testified Sophie Grenon. “It really is something that reveals certain behavior. There are students who have a hard time in class, but who turn out to be very serious and diligent. […] It allows you to really work with human qualities, and it’s something that’s also important to develop and learn in school.“
By Wendy Lonis
Web editor
Wendy is an agricultural engineer and combines her passions for words and animals by writing for Pets-dating. As a freelance web writer, she shares her home with many furry and feathered friends: an Australian shepherd, chickens and even carrier pigeons!
