GREENSBURG, Ind. (WOWO): An elementary school teacher in Decatur County is using a creative new 'tool' to help kids learn about life.

Linda Smith is bringing 4-week-old puppies into the classroom at North Decatur Elementary School. The puppies not only serve as easy listeners for Smith's 1st and 2nd grade readers, they are also the faces of their “Puppy Project.” 

Together, the class is publishing a book on fostering puppies. From authors to artists to accountants, every student has a special job for the project. The students will use the proceeds from their book to buy their local K-9 officers some much needed training equipment.