library dogs

Today I came across Library Dogs, a website that promotes using therapy dogs to help children improve their reading skills.  Check out some pictures from their website.

Sunny is paying careful attention.

Maggie loves listening to Arthur's adventures.

This student has learned how relaxing a good book can be.

Sunny enjoys a Star Wars book.

What an awesome idea!  I know my students would die for the chance to read to a dog.  The great part about this program is that it gets ALL kids excited about reading, but especially the ones who struggle with fluency.  Reading to a dog relieves all the stress of reading out loud because dogs don't judge.  They don't care if you read below grade level, or if you stumble on a word.  They just want to spend time with you.

Unfortunately, these Library Dogs aren't as widespread as I had hoped.  The closest trainer is almost 90 miles away!  But there's hope.  If you own a dog, you can do this at home.

Click here to see if a R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) program is in your area.