Our Animal-based Pedagogy

Animal-based pedagogy is unique to Papillon. Guinea pigs, rabbits, fish and ponies are our animal educators who support our work every day.
Unique, empathetic, responsible

It is important to us that the children learn how to handle animals at an early age. Respectful encounters and careful observation are important aspects that we would like to convey to the children. By feeding, caring for and exercising the animals, the children playfully take responsibility and begin to understand the behavior of the animals.

A regular highlight for the children are the weekly excursions to our pony stable in Ratingen.

Unique, empathetic, responsible

Our Ponies

Our Shetland ponies are an important part of our animal-based pedagogy.

The ponies are groomed, cared for and ridden by our children on a pony farm in Ratingen-Lintorf that has been rented especially for Papillon. Small groups take a trip to the pony stable every week.

Our ponies take on an educational role, because the children learn to take responsibility in a playful way by caring for the stable, grooming and feeding of the ponies. Riding the ponies is a great experience for the children. They learn to deal with new challenges, perhaps even to overcome fears and to improve their body awareness and concentration.

Unique, empathetic, animal lovers

When riding, the children are always looked after by a well-trained riding instructor.

They exercise in the fresh air, but also discover and explore the natural environment around the pony stable.