Zeus, the intervention dog at CEO Villa de Autol
Zeus, an intervention dog who has been working with the Dejando Huella association for seven years, has returned to the classrooms of CEO Villa de Autol. This is the third consecutive year in which Zeus participates in Educational Innovation Projects (PIE) and has had the opportunity to visit CEO Villa de Autol through these projects.
Promoting socio-emotional intelligence and responsible pet ownership
CEO Villa de Autol has an inclusive classroom that welcomes students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related disorders. With the aim of developing socio-emotional intelligence, social communication skills and promoting responsible pet ownership, the center decided to implement an educational innovation project. Zeus arrived at Autol last year and has continued participating this year. During the ‘TEAcompaño awakening emotions’ project, Zeus worked with the center’s students, including the twelve students in the inclusive classroom, who had four monthly group sessions with the intervention dog. In addition, other students at the center also had the opportunity to learn with Zeus in different sessions, such as a dog-assisted reading workshop during Book Week.
Student improvements and peer collaboration
During this school year, three Compulsory Secondary Education students participated in a peer tutoring program. These students were selected based on their socio-emotional situation and an improvement has been observed in their self-esteem, social skills and motivation in the educational environment. Both teachers and families have expressed their satisfaction with the improvements they have noticed in the students.
The impact of Zeus in the educational center
The presence of Zeus in the center has generated great excitement among the students. His name is constantly heard in the hallways and students play Zeus during recess. In addition, they have decorated the classrooms with images of the dog and include it in all activities. Students who participate in sessions with Zeus have experienced significant improvements in their communication and behavior. Positive changes have even been observed in their behavior after having a session with Zeus. The impact of Zeus is not limited to the classroom, since his presence is felt throughout the educational center.
A project endorsed by the Rioja Center for Educational Innovation
The dog-assisted education project developed at CEO Villa de Autol has the approval and support of the Rioja Center for Educational Innovation (CRIE). This project, which takes place from January to May, involves 31 teachers who have received training from the founder and coordinator of Dejando Huella, Ana Rodríguez Benito. The project coordinator, Irene Salcedo Moreno, highlights the importance of promoting dog-assisted education in the educational field due to the academic and emotional benefits it offers.