Would you be surprised to learn that kids who read for pleasure are more likely to be at or above their anticipated reading level? Literacy specialists have found that children that score below their peers in reading ability often suffer from low self-esteem and are self-conscious of reading aloud in a group. According to the National Assessment of Education Progress scores in 2004, 40 percent of fourth graders in the U.S. fall below their grade level in reading. As a result, schools all over America are searching for ways to improve their students’ literacy skills. Some however, have already experienced excellent results by implementing a program whereby children read to dogs. It provides a fun, non-judgmental and comfortable environment where children continually improve not only their reading skills, but their self-esteem as well. Teachers with students involved in such a programs experienced improved reading skills, decreased school absenteeism, increased frequency of completed homework assignments and improved social skills and self confidence.
How the Reading 2 Rover Program Works
A typical session would have a Therapy dog and its handler paired with a child in need of help with their reading skills at school, a library or another agreed upon location for some one-on-one reading and fun. The environment is relaxed, with the dog and child sitting together on the floor, while the trained handler is simply there to monitor and assist with any reading difficulties when and if needed. This encourages physical interaction during the session which can help put the child at ease (petting dogs has been proven to lower blood pressure and reduce stress). Children benefit from the patience, acceptance and comfort of the dog’s presence, while getting much needed practice with their reading skills in a non-judgmental environment. The dogs like being talked to and petted and they like the quiet interaction with a person seated on the floor. It makes for a nurturing environment all around.
The program is intended for a defined period of time, usually meeting once a week for a semester or trimester and the dog and child are paired together for that entire time. The consistency is key and the children come to identify with “their dog”.
How do Children Benefit from Reading 2 Rover Program
The children have an ability to interact one-on-one with a therapy dog (and trainer) to improve their reading skills. They also benefit in other areas of the classroom as well, including decreased absenteeism, more interest in the class content, completion of homework assignments and all around better attitude toward school. In addition, the Reading 2 Rover program helps children:
- Gain Confidence – Once their grades begin to rise, so does their self confidence. By substituting their peers with a therapy dog, they are able to read in a completely non-judgmental environment, thus helping them to gain confidence in their skills and abilities.
- Build Self Esteem – Children who struggle with their reading skills have lower self esteem. By reading to the dogs, they overcome their shyness and other social clumsiness and begin enjoying reading and other social activities.
- Responsible Pet Care – In addition to the educational and social benefits of this program, children who participate also learn about interacting with an animal. For those who don’t have pets at home, this program can teach children about proper dog care and behavior.
How Dogs Benefit from the Program
Since the dogs that participate in this program are therapy dogs, they love being around people and they too thrive on the attention and love they receive from “their child”. Often times these therapy dogs are former homeless shelter dogs who were adopted from a local rescue or shelter. This is an excellent opportunity for those dogs to help raise awareness for the plight and possibilities of the ever increasing number of homeless and adoptable animals.
With the help of this program and therapy dogs, children with weak reading skills can be given a new way to improve their literacy, as well as reinforce their social skills.
To discuss this program further please contact:
Lori Leary, Executive Director
LUCAS – Let Us Consider Adopting Strays
703-680-3644
Lori@LucasCares.org
