Therapy Animals Helping Lexington Special Education Students

Special education students in Lexington are experiencing breakthroughs never thought possible, thanks to barnyard friends.

The kids are in a pilot program that brings therapy animals to the classroom and it is working. The special education students have responded to the animals in ways the teacher has never seen before.

"It's hard for them to have social skills, it's hard for them to calm down sometimes, and this has had a calming effect on them," said Special Education Teacher LaDonna Magby.

Josh Hargis runs “The Teacher's Pets” program and has a different approach for each child, depending on their needs. Friday's lesson was following instructions and memory skills.

"We are working on higher order thinking skills, you know breaking down and being able to do multiple tasks, and then fine motor skills," said Hargis. "The animal is just simply a tool," he added.

The kids get instructions, like to grab a yellow barrette out of the yellow bucket. Then, they help dress Nacho the miniature donkey.

The social and emotional curriculum teaches the children patience, how to take turns, and how to be gentle.

Teachers said they never saw one little boy smile until the program started.

"The first time I saw him smile, my heart just lifted and I said, 'Did you all see that,'" Magby exclaimed.

All the kids have seen a positive impact from the program.

"It's such a crazy tool for behavior change and it works," Hargis told News 9.

In order to bring the program back next year for the students, special education services needs to raise money since the program is based out of Yukon.

If you would like to donate, call LaDonna Magby at (405) 527-6589 ext. 227.