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Social
Skills Director Lynne Misztal brought horses to school
recently as part of the Social Skills Therapeutic Equine
Program she created in 2000. The program builds self
confidence, develops trust, self-respect, communication
skills, and encourages positive socialization with peers.
Through working with horses, students learn to trust
themselves through problem-solving activities. They in turn
bring these skills back into the classroom where teachers
note an increase in positive behaviors, willingness to
problem-solve, and improved academic achievement. The
program is funded through a grant from the Firestone
Foundation. Each year, 8-10 Osborn students are targeted to
participate in the summer Therapeutic Equine Program.
Through a combination of classroom instruction and
interaction with horses at a local riding school, students
are taught relationship building, boundaries, safety,
communication, and building trust. The staff work in teams
of three- an EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning
Association) Certified Therapist, an equine specialist, and
the Social Skills counselor. |
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