When the Wolves came to visit
You’ve heard of therapy dogs – but have you heard of therapy wolves?! We were delighted to welcome Natalie and a selection of her therapy wolves from Watermill Wolves, as part of our Forest School curriculum over the last two terms.
You’ve heard of therapy dogs – but have you heard of therapy wolves?! We were delighted to welcome Natalie and a selection of her therapy wolves from Watermill Wolves, as part of our Forest School curriculum over the last two terms.
Although you may not realise it, you may have seen some of Natalie’s
wolves on the silver screen – including ‘Vikings’, ‘Penny Dreadful’, ‘Ripper Street’, ‘Horrible Histories’, ‘Don’t Tell The Bride’ and the interactive Netflix show ‘You Vs. Wild’ starring Bear Grylls. Alternatively, you may have come across them at one of the many medieval fairs that Natalie visits to give people a chance to get up close and personal with these amazing animals.
Both KS3 and KS4 each had 3 weekly sessions with the wolves, centred on handling the wolves, learning about wolf behaviour and creating agility courses
for the wolves to complete. We were very proud of all the children, some of whom were initially quite anxious as they were not keen on dogs. Although obviously nobody was forced to take part, most of the children were able to overcome any anxieties and, as you can see from the photo’s below really enjoyed spending time with the wolves. As well as enriching the forest school lessons, the wolves really had a calming and relaxing influence on the children – evidence of this is backed up by the data that shows a real drop in any incidents
during these sessions.
Children have expanded their knowledge and feelings around the nature of the
therapeutic aspect of the wolf dogs, with one child quoting “I was not overly
looking forward to the sessions but I have loved every minute”.
For our children, engaging with wolf therapy can promote and nurture the
following qualities:
- Identify the characteristics of a healthy peer-group and reduce aggression,
segregation, and peer rivalry - Develop constructive community based on understanding, love and respect in order to increase collaboration and mutual acceptance
- Learn effective communication skills both in positive and challenging
situations - Focus on their impulses, feelings and emotions in positive ways
- Learn to forgive and give others (and themselves) a second chance
- Reflect on the true meaning of loyalty, honesty, integrity, courage, perseverance, success and failure, contribution to society, commitment,
sense of purpose, leadership, and self confidence - Deepen their understanding and respect for all forms of life
- Self confidence with an outgoing personality and a positive attitude
- Being true to your nature and purpose
- The ability to discern … a sense of right and wrong, valuing what is fair
- Effective communication techniques, and the ability to work out differences effectively
- Self identity and group identity … able to differentiate characteristics, similarities and differences
- Positive influence in their peer groups
- Cooperation and Team Work
- Leadership and decision making
- Increase environmental and social awareness
- Desire to help others and contribute to the community
- Tracking and hunting: concentration, focus, strategy, taking action
- Curiosity and desire to learn
- Creativity and problem solving
- Adaptability to change and fluidity in various situations
- Ability to deal with both success and failure
- Care of the environment … only take what you need and recycle
- Respect of the elders … care and guidance of the young
- Appreciate the importance of tradition and rite of passage
- Silence and contemplation
Over the sessions confidence grew within each child, they discovered and voiced their own abilities with the wolf dogs and even some surprised themselves. Although the sessions were led through activities, children were able to take some time to connect and relax with the wolfdogs Moonshine aka Moonie and
James Bond, which solidified their connection with the animals.
We would like to thank Natalie and her wolves for coming in to our school and giving the children an opportunity like no other! We cannot recommend Natalie and the work she does enough. You can find more information on the Watermill Wolves website.
