How do animals help teach us about communication? Animals are another way that children can learn interpersonal skills which helps practice relating to one another. Come join us for our next middle school group for this wonderful oppportunity with Julie Merchant, a licensed professional counselor who has a passion in using animals to teach social skills. She will be bringing Figaro, a cat. 🙂 Often times, we think about a dog or a horse for the use of animal therapy but there are so many more options! Our teens will have the opportunity to observe and interact with Figaro as he is introduced to a group he doesn’t know. So, how is this connected to our own interactions? Observing a room to gather social information is a natural intuitive tool we use as adults but this skill often needs to be practiced with our kids. Julie will discuss the traits specific to a cat that are similar to our own personality traits. For example, we have all had a situation at some time where we have entered a new group such as the start of a new year, a new group, etc. and we’re overwhelmed with anxious feelings and we don’t understand what they’re about. This experience helps students develop awareness and begin to practice centering and calming techniques.
If you have filled out at least one registration form for our middle school group, no need to fill out another one! Just send us an e-mail and let us know that your child will be coming and we’ll send you a PayPal invoice. If you’re new to us, please fill out a registration form and e-mail it to us. You can find all of the information here Middle School OTB Group-Fall Semester
With Appreciation,
Christina and Wendy