TEACH Program
The TEACH Program (Therapy and Education Activities for Children with Horses) incorporates equine-facilitated learning to improve literacy and learning readiness, and contribute to the social and emotional health of children ages 3-7. With two learning tracks, the TEACH Program is a mobile outreach initiative that supports the educational achievement of children in Memphis schools.
LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM
Southern Reins is collaborating with Perea Preschool for the Pilot Program of our TEACH Learning Readiness Program. In collaboration with Perea educators and incorporating Tennessee Academic Standards, the lesson curriculum provides an equine-facilitated educational environment with a hands-on approach to reading, science, geography, social studies, and math. The program consists of 6 consecutive weekly classroom visits and interactions with our therapy pony, Clyde, an 8-year-old U.K. Shetland pony. His small size and gentle nature makes him the perfect partner to provide a new and unique approach to engaging students in learning readiness to promote educational goal achievement. Students read books written for the program including "Go Clyde Go" and "Clyde Can Share" with a curriculum focused on social-emotional learning to prepare students to be successful in kindergarten and beyond.
READING INCENTIVE PROGRAM
The Reading Incentive Program is designed to improve literacy and encourage successful reading habits for elementary school children. Incorporating Tennessee Academic Standards, the curriculum is modeled after the “Reading with Rosie” program created by Strides to Success. By creating a positive association between stories of animals and reading, our research-based program will offer children a safe educational and interactive opportunity with our therapy pony to develop their English language skills and motivation to read.
All TEACH Program activities are conducted under the direct supervision of a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor or a PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning in collaboration with education professionals at each school.
For more information, contact Sara Zurenko, Program Director: Sara.Zurenko@southernreins.org.
The TEACH Program is generously funded by the following community partners who fully fund the cost to provide services to enhance the education of Memphis city students.
Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy is a Premier Accredited Center by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). PATH Intl. premier accreditation assists the public in selecting quality centers that deliver safe equestrian services and certifies that a member organization has achieved industry standards for equine-assisted services for individuals with special needs. Southern Reins is the only Premier Accredited Center in the greater Memphis area and is one of only three in the state of Tennessee, joining the top tier of centers across the country who have received premier accredited status.
