🐾 Say Hi to Snoopy: Our Furriest Learning Coach

Great education is not just about books and grades—it’s about creating a space where students feel confident, supported, and motivated to grow. That’s why here, at Rabat Academy, we are thrilled to introduce Snoopy—our calm, clever, and cuddly canine companion.

Snoopy isn’t just here for the cuddles (although he’s very good at those). He’s here as part of a broader mission: to support students emotionally, socially, and even academically. You might be surprised by how much a dog can help in a classroom—but research backs it up, and we’ve already seen Snoopy working his quiet magic.

🧠 How Snoopy Helps Students Learn

1. Easing Anxiety and Building Confidence

Many students—especially teens—experience academic stress, test anxiety, or difficulty focusing. Just a few minutes with Snoopy lowers stress hormones and helps students regulate their emotions. A relaxed brain learns better—so whether it’s preparing for a big exam or tackling a tough writing assignment, Snoopy helps set the tone for success.

2. Boosting Focus and Attention

Scientific studies show that dogs can help students—particularly those with ADHD or Asperger's—improve focus, self-control, and behavior. A randomized clinical trial at UC Irvine found that children working with therapy dogs showed faster gains in attention and executive functioning than those receiving cognitive behavioral support alone. These results were still measurable six weeks after the program ended.

Inspired by this research, we’re piloting simple strategies with Snoopy: students “earn” time with him by completing tasks or changing their behavior. This structure not only improves engagement—it gives students something calming and rewarding to look forward to.

3. Creating a Welcoming Environment

Some students struggle with self-esteem or feel disconnected in traditional learning settings. Snoopy changes that. He doesn’t judge. He doesn’t rush. He simply shows up—which, for many students, is all they need to feel safe and seen. Even the quietest, shyest students often open up when Snoopy is in the room.

4. Encouraging Reading and Communication

For students working on improving their language skills or reading fluency, Snoopy is the perfect listener. He’s patient. He doesn’t correct grammar. And he’s surprisingly attentive. Students who usually don't want to take on a role in the play are happy to perform in front of to Snoopy—practicing vocabulary, expression, and confidence in the process.

5. Teaching Responsibility and Compassion

Through gentle, supervised interactions with Snoopy, students also learn life skills: empathy, responsibility, and respect for living beings. Whether they’re brushing him, giving him water, or learning to approach calmly, Snoopy models emotional regulation in a way that textbooks never could.

🐶 A Few Things to Know

Snoopy has been carefully trained to work with children and is supervised at all times. Interacting with him is entirely optional—but we’ve found that even students - and teachers! - who were unsure at first soon come around to his gentle charm.

🌟 Come Meet Him!

Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a curious visitor, we invite you to drop by and say hello to Snoopy. He’s more than just a mascot—he’s part of our vision for compassionate, joyful, and student-centered learning.

Because sometimes, the best way to help a young mind grow… is to start with a wagging tail and a warm heart.