Beastly strong: How animal-assisted experiential education helps children grow

„Animals are a wonderful medium for children to get out of themselves - to overcome boundaries.“ (Arnim Pietralla, Managing Director of „Eifelzeit“)

Whether shy, over-excited or insecure - animals often reach children where words alone are not enough. This is why they are a central component of the experiential education programmes of „Eifel time„, a long-standing programme partner of the youth hostels in the Rhineland. During the 3- or 5-day Class trip programme „With hand and hoof“ the encounters between animals and children even take centre stage.

Guinea pigs as a gentle introduction

The first encounters are deliberately calm. „The pupils are given guinea pigs on their laps, but not simply on a towel where they could run away. The animals are specially trained and sit in step stools - so that they feel comfortable. The guinea pigs are pampered, for example with music in the background, food and stroking in the places where they also groom each other. In this way, the animals develop trust - and the children sense this,“ explains Arnim Pietralla, special needs teacher and managing director of „Eifelzeit“.

This is a gentle approach, especially for reserved children. They experience closeness and attentiveness - and learn to take responsibility.

Bearded rabbit - closeness at eye level

The Belgian bearded rabbits are a particular highlight, says Arnim Pietralla. „They weigh around six kilos and look like a cross between a rabbit and a lion with their shaggy beards. These animals hop around freely among the children. [...] They are not so easy to pick up. That's good, because it also encourages more respectful behaviour from the children towards the animals.“

When the rabbits eat dandelions directly from your hand, it is an impressive experience for many - closeness without coercion.

A day on the farm

Practical tasks are also part of the programme. „On the second day, we take the shuttle bus from Blankenheim Castle to our farm. There, the children spend the whole day with chickens, ducks and other animals. They learn how to feed and look after the animals and muck out the stables. That's all part of having a good time with the animals,“ says Pietralla.

In this way, the children learn that responsibility and joy are inseparable.

The „Schafari“ with sheep

During the „sheep safari“, the class goes on a safari to the sheep. Encounters with sheep often require courage. Arnim Pietralla reports on a programme with children from a socially disadvantaged neighbourhood. The children lived in high-rise housing estates and had never really been out in nature or around farm animals: „Before they could get to the animals, I first had to calm the children down, even though they were only small Breton dwarf sheep. They weigh maybe twelve kilos and yet the children were very scared at first. You have to approach them slowly and step by step [...]. But when contact is established between the children and the animals, it really gets to the heart.“

Confidence grows step by step - and with it the children's self-confidence.

Creativity with natural materials

Then it's time to get creative: „On the third day, we work with wool in the wool workshop and build insect hotels together with the children,“ explains the special needs teacher. This combines craftsmanship, knowledge of nature and creativity - a valuable addition to the animal encounters.

Hiking with goats - a test of patience

A special experience awaits at the end, reveals Arnim Pietralla. „During the breaks, we go for a walk with our goats. The children learn to be patient because goats like to look around and sniff. The 20-minute walk usually takes a little longer than usual.“

The children learn that not everything goes according to plan - and calmness is often the best way to reach the goal.

Conclusion

Animal-assisted experiential education teaches children respect, a sense of responsibility and self-confidence. From cautious contact with guinea pigs to a goat walk - the encounters help to reduce fears, develop mindfulness and strengthen social skills.

• All information about the programme „With hand and hoof“ of Blankenheim Castle Youth Hostel can be found here: Class trip to Blankenheim: With hand and hoof (3 days)
• The full interview with Arnim Pietralla can also be found in the education magazine NEWS4TEACHERS to read