Dogs Can Boost Confidence of Reluctant Readers
Posted on December 9, 2009 by Suzan Woodard in Personal Experiences, Uncategorized.
Tags: Big Universe, Books, Reading, reluctant reader, service dogs
“D-O-G, Dog!” It was one of the first words I learned to recognize and to spell. “Cat, cow, pig” soon followed. Before long I was toting home books about anything with four legs and fur.
Most children have an affinity for animals, so they are a natural catalyst for promoting reading, believes the BARK literacy group. Based in Long Beach, Calif., Beach Animals Read with Kids currently has 42 certified therapy dogs, which visit libraries and elementary schools in the region.
Students are invited to read to the dogs – even cuddle on the floor with them as they turn pages together. Not only is it fun for the kids, but it also gives them confidence and helps them improve their reading skills, say the group’s advocates.
According to BARK’s website, “Students read to dogs 15-20 minutes once per week for eight weeks. They are given a bookmark with photos and information about the dog they are reading with. Pictures are taken and given to the student on a subsequent visit. At the end of the eight-week session, each student is given a brand new book to take home and the dog stamps and signs the book with his paw. They are also given a small stuffed dog.”
Fifteen of the dogs participated in the Christmas parade in Seal Beach, Calif., a few days ago. They and their handlers gave out 750 books to those in the crowd to encourage reading over the upcoming holiday break. A little holiday magic, I think!
Encouraging a child to read audibly with a pet is an awesome idea, and it’s easy to implement at home. Simply, put your own four-pawed wonder to work. If your dog is the nervous type, go with Goldie, the goldfish. She may not be easy to snuggle, but she is a captive audience for your new or reluctant reader.
Of course, if your child has pet allergies or fears, he or she can use a stuffed animal, favorite doll or other comfort item.
To learn more about BARK, go to their website. To volunteer or request a visit at your school or event, drop an email to barkreadingdogs@aol. There are many other similar programs around the country, as well.
For dog stories or holiday picture books, go online to BigUniverse.com and click the “Read Books” tab. Then browse by category.
Great! As a retired teacher of reading, I applaud you. Just picturing children sitting on their ankles to read to an animal makes me smile all over. I tried a lot of different things to motivate, reward, encourage, stimulate, reinforce, and promote reading. Hey, if they can’t read, to what kind of future are we sending them?
You are so right. The captive audience is great. I’ve even encouraged the focus point of the tree that held up the treehouse in the back yard and the bugs on the plants under which our little girls “hid” to read their books. As far as they were concerned, they were in the jungle while they read in the security of their fenced backyard.
You are on the right road. Keep going. I love to read about the things you are doing.
Sincerely,
MamaPat