Dogs Can Support Learning
School dogs can be powerful learning aids for many children, especially those who struggle with traditional classroom settings. A calm and well-trained dog can provide emotional comfort, help reduce anxiety, and improve focus—making it easier for children to engage with learning tasks. For some students, reading aloud to a non-judgmental dog builds confidence and fluency. For others, the dog may serve as a motivator to attend school, complete assignments, or regulate their emotions. In this way, a school dog can function as both an emotional and educational support tool, adapting naturally to individual needs. At home, in school and new or different environment.
Assistive Tools and the Role of School Dogs
To succeed, children with learning differences often need compensatory tools, such as:
- Human support (special education staff or therapists)
- Digital tools (text-to-speech, voice recognition software, organizational apps)
- Physical aids (timers, organizers, adapted learning materials)
- Communication aids (pictures, sigs system, and more)
- Animal-assisted support, such as trained school dogs
In some contexts, a school dog can serve as a calming presence, a motivator, or a non-judgmental listener during reading sessions or social interactions. While not a replacement for professional intervention or educational tools, a school dog can act as an emotional, physical and social support aid, especially when used thoughtfully and in collaboration with trained adults.
Support organizations - guidance and aids
Helping neurodivergent children requires timely support, tailored strategies, and access to the right tools. Across the globe, various organizations, professionals, and assistive technologies work to empower these children to reach their full potential. In many countries, associations and advocacy groups are dedicated to supporting individuals with learning differences. For example, the Norwegian Dyslexia Association works to ensure equal opportunities for people with reading, writing, math, and language challenges. Similar organizations exist worldwide. Each with the shared goal of making education and daily life more accessible and inclusive. Research shows that a significant number of children and adolescents struggle with reading and learning difficulties—often as many as 5–20% of students, depending on how learning differences are defined. These challenges may stem from neurodevelopmental conditions like dyslexia, dyscalculia, or Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). These are not caused by lack of effort, poor teaching, or low motivation. They are persistent and often lifelong, though their impact can be reduced through supportive measures.
Learning Differences Go Beyond the Classroom
Challenges such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and DLD often affect more than just schoolwork. They show up in everyday tasks like:
- Concentrating and staying organized
- Telling time and understanding time-related concepts
- Following multi-step instructions
- Navigating left vs. right
- Managing motor coordination
- Remembering information or finding the right words
- Regulating energy, attention, and emotions
- Building and maintaining self-esteem
Many of these traits overlap across diagnoses, and each child experiences them differently. For example, ADHD typically includes inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity—symptoms that vary in intensity and presentation from child to child. Globally, an estimated 3–7% of children are diagnosed with ADHD, though diagnosis rates differ across countries and populations.
The Importance of Early and Individualized Support
Many children show signs of learning or developmental differences long before they receive a formal diagnosis. Sadly, support often arrives too late. When challenges are identified early, and children receive tailored support, they are far more likely to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Early intervention is not only beneficial to the individual child, it also reduces long-term challenges and benefits society as a whole. Creating inclusive environments, recognizing diverse needs, and offering flexible support (which may include school dogs in some settings) ensures that all children get a fair chance to succeed.
Some types of Learning Aids
Learning aids come in many forms and are designed to support children with different needs, including those who are neurodivergent or have learning differences. Common types include:
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Communication aids: Tools like picture exchange systems, speech-generating devices, and symbol boards that support expressive and receptive communication.
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Reading and writing supports: Text-to-speech software, audiobooks, pencil grips, spelling tools, and predictive text apps help students access and produce written language.
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Visual aids: Timetables, color-coded charts, mind maps, flashcards, and visual instructions can enhance understanding and memory.
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Auditory aids: These include listening devices, noise-cancelling headphones, and audio lessons that assist students with auditory processing or hearing challenges.
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Mobility aids: Items such as ergonomic furniture, adapted seating, or movement breaks can support physical access and comfort in the learning environment.
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Multisensory tools: Sensory bins, fidget tools, tactile letters, and interactive software engage multiple senses to reinforce learning.
Effective learning aids should be chosen based on each child’s strengths, needs, and learning style. They play a crucial role in making education more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable.