New findings show benefits of caring for hens to the socio-emotional development and learning of children

Ciara Gilligan's M.Ed thesis for her special option, Poverty and Social Inclusion, with the Educational Disadvantage Centre, DCU Institute of Education explores the benefits of caring for hens to the socio-emotional development and learning of children aged 5-9 years.

This project at Knockmore Junior National School, Killinarden, Tallaght involves children taking care of hens in a DEIS primary school setting. Ciara Gilligan's thesis, supervised by Dr. Paul Downes, explores the impact of taking care of hens in school on children's social and emotional development, in particular, on their empathy, relaxation, responsibility, learning and cooperation skills. 

An article on this featured in the Irish Independent (June 28, 2017) and can be accessed here: http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/education/schools/hens-help-pupils-to-crack-lifes-code-35871388.html.

Photo courtesy of Frank McGrath, Irish Independent