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This is how I collected my data at the school. I asked the kids to point to what they felt before our reading time, and then I repeated the question after. This helps me gather an understanding of how the students feel.
To the left is a picture of me holding a training book and wearing a fanny pack that my mentor, Maggie sent to me. I used the book to help guide my training of Tootsie. The fanny pack is very useful because I can store little treats in there, which makes it easy and accessible to hand out treats when she is good. I even use it when I go into Braintree. It also signifies to Tootsie that it is time to work!
Before going into the school for the first time, I would bring Tootsie on walks around the school on the weekends. Here she was able to feel comfortable being alone with me in the new environment. She had free reign of sniffing and exploring. I believe that doing this made her feel very comfortable and calm on her first real visit.
Third Grader and Tootsie
Often I have to help the kids read tricky words and sometimes we even trade off pages to read collaboratively.
Kindergartener and Tootsie
Each student is so eager to get their turn to read! When they see Tootsie and I, they get so excited and come pet her and tell her they missed her.
Each time we come to the school Tootsie gets more and more excited. I can really see the difference in her behavior. Although she was really calm to begin with, I can now see the ease she has as she walks in the halls, and gets excited when she sees kids.
One learning curve that I wasn't expecting was being in charge of the kids. I have to be friendly and engaging, but I also have to make sure they aren't doing any bad behaviors and are treating their peers with respect. I also have to be firm when it their time is up, because they don't want to say goodbye to Tootsie.
One thing that I always make sure to do is educate the students on proper dog-petting etiquette. My mentor, Maggie, taught me a lot about this. Knowing how to properly pet a dog and read their body language can help keep you and the pup safe!
Some pictures that the students drew specifically for Tootsie!
To the left are bookmarks that I made using a website called Canva. At the school I printed them out and laminated them. Then I cut them down into bookmark sizes. On the last day of going into Braintree, which will be Friday the 21st of April, I will give one to each student I read with!
I received tons of thank you cards from the Braintree students. All the cards were personalized with the sweetest messages and pictures. I even got cards from older kids I didn't even read with, thanking me for letting them pet her in the halls. The cards made me feel so happy.
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