Harvey The Horse Is a Friend Indeed

Harvey The Horse Is a Friend Indeed

By DAVID THEUS

MACCLENNY, FL-Tanyia Rowan, one of Baker County's finest has a special friend in the class room. This year Mrs. Rowan is celebrating her ninth year teaching Kindergarten for Baker County Schools. Early on Mrs. Rowan knew that she would need a special friend to help her motivate children. That special friend is the one and only "Harvey the Horse."

Sarah Theus and Harvey the Horse with her sister Vanessa and Chef Tom at San Marco's Bistro X.

Harvey the Horse is a soft little creature, you can’t help but hold close and squeeze. But more than just a stuffed toy he is the brain child of a teacher trying to find a creative and motivational tool to encourage her students to maintain proper behavior in the classroom. Each child is challenged to pay attention in class, not talk when talking is not allowed, and, of course, abide by the rules of an orderly class room setting.

Each child has a "slip" of paper with their name on it at the front of the class displayed specifically to be seen by each student. If the student has failed to abide by the rules set forth by the teacher that particular day, then he or she is asked to go to the board and "flip" their individual "slip" to register their poor behavior choice for the day. This is where Harvey comes in. If at the end of the week, a particular student has survived the entire week without a flipping of his or her slip, that child is rewarded with caring for Harvey the Horse over that particular weekend.

This is a big deal! Harvey comes home dressed in seasonal attire in his own blue satchel with his name proudly displayed for all to see. In this satchel is a binder where each student and their parents are encouraged to record Harvey's every involvement, including photos, with the student's family over the weekend.

Harvey’s adventures are as varied as the students he visits. He has been to Georgia's Wild Adventures many times. "I think he likes the rides," laughs Ms. Tanyia.

He's been on vacations to Disney World, even flown in a plane with a student and his grandpa. He's been to the beach, on boating trips on the lake, the movies, and even to gymnastics, but most of all, he seems to make it to church almost every weekend. Over the years parents have even seen fit to have him bathed and groomed and returned to class with new outfits. Tanyia says she has a whole bag of various seasonal outfits that have come from the generosity of some of his weekend caretakers.

Harvey has encouraged many students over the years to behave and follow the rules in the class room, and will continue to do so for many years to come. Keep in mind this horse has been working hard for Mrs. Rowan for going on nine years now. There are eighth graders in this community that know Harvey the Horse.

Mrs. Rowan, hat's off to you for being creative and allowing your students a real lesson in civility I know that will be remembered and cherished by every child in your classes.