Calming Claire: Classroom canine eases high school stress
Sports reporter
Marion High School teacher Diana Costello has always known her family dog Claire loves being around people.
So when she found out about a class at Friends University called Canine for Counselors in the Classroom, where a dog wanders the room setting a calm tone, she jumped at the opportunity.
"She's a friendly, loving, caring dog," Costello said. "I knew she would be perfect."
When Costello arrived at the class, she found out Claire, a four year old Corgi, had to pass an aptitude test.
A failing grade would mean she could not participate in the training. But Claire passed with flying colors and eventually passed the six-week training session as well.
Costello said dogs used in the classroom provide a calming effect.
"She helps kids with concentration," Costello said.
Claire comes to MHS four days a week to hang out in the classroom. She stays by Costello when students change classes, greeting them at the door when they arrive.
She doesn't leave Costello's sight, and goes to her kennel if the teacher needs to leave the room.
Once class starts Claire will walk around the room, allowing students to pet her if they like. If she becomes tired she will retreat to her kennel to rest.
Costello said she looks to the students to keep Claire calm as well.
"I ask them to help out by not being a distraction [with Claire]," she said. "If so, she goes to her kennel. So far she hasn't had to."
Claire began coming to MHS last month, helping out with Costello's English and reading classes.
MHS principal Ken Arnhold supports the project.
"I was already familiar with it," he said. "The more I read about it and looked into it, it seemed like a real good idea."
Costello said along with her visual evidence of Claire easing the students, she said before she brought her to class she believed it would help.
"They reduce test anxiety," Costello said of the dogs.
The dogs have also shown positive effects in classrooms with younger students.
"Studies have shown elementary students learn to read at a higher level when reading aloud to dogs instead of classmates or teachers," she said.
The dogs don't come back with negative responses, instead they just listen, Costello said.
Costello is aware some people may be wary of a dog being in the classroom, and will accommodate students' needs if that becomes a problem.
So far no problems have occurred and Claire continues to weave in and out of desks, helping the students feel more at home while at school.
"I just wanted to do what I can to create a relaxing atmosphere where all different kinds of students can function," Costello said.
By flashing an almost constant smile, it's easy to tell, Claire agrees.
