JACKSON HOLE, WYO – A simple Google search will find the Internet abuzz with success stories about programs where kids read to dogs. That’s right, children’s reading skills improve when they read aloud to ‘therapy’ dogs. And the science is beginning to bear it out.
Teton Literacy Center and Teton County Pet Partners have a program of their own called “Reading to Dogs.” The collaborative partnership has resulted in an educational effort using TCPP animal therapy teams consisting of handlers and dogs.
After a trial run at the library that had Kristin Livingstone, program coordinator at TLC, gushing, “The read to a dog program went so well! The kids love it and some even sacrificed their playground time to keep reading. That is huge for our kids,” the program was beefed up with more teams and hopefully more kids.
Sessions for students to practice their reading fluency will begin Monday, January 22, 2018. The program will run from 4-5pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; every other week through the end of March.
Why is reading to dogs so popular and effective with children? Just like anything else, dogs don’t care if you mess up a little, or struggle with a word for a few seconds. They are just happy to receive the attention.
Dogs are a perfect partner to provide opportunity for students to build literacy skills and confidence by reading aloud with an avid listener and new friend. (We just won’t tell any cats).
If you would like to get involved (on the dog end or the kid side of things) call (307) 690-8532 or email Kelly Chadwick at Pet Partners.
