It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that kids who read for pleasure are more likely to be at or above their anticipated reading level. Unfortunately, according to the National Assesment of Education Progress scores in 2004, 40 percent of fourth graders in the U.S. fall below their grade level when it comes to reading. Schools have been trying different ways to improve students' literacy skills, primarily by encouraging children to read more outside of the classroom. One of the most successful programs has been the Reading to Dogs Program.
How the Reading to Dogs Program Works
The program is simple. Participating schools and libraries pair children that need help with their reading skills up with literacy assistance dogs (and their trainers), for some one-on-one fun. The situation is usually very relaxed, with the dog and child sitting together on the floor. 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.
What Children Gain from the Reading to Dogs Program
Children have an ability to interact one-on-one with a therapy dog (and trainer) to improve their reading skills. The benefits carry over to other areas of the classroom as well, including decreased absenteeism and increases in the completion of homework. In addition, the Reading to Dogs Program helps children:
- Gain confidence. Children that score lower on reading placement exams are generally self-conscious about their abilities, thus they are more likely to be uncomfortable reading in front of their classmates. 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.
- Build self-esteem. Children with lower self-esteem are more comfortable having personal interaction with a pet than with their peers. By reading to a therapy dog, children are able to overcome shyness and other hurdles that impede their enjoyment of 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 do not have pets at home, this program can teach children about proper dog care and behavior.
How Dogs Benefit from the Program
This program is not only beneficial for the students, but the dogs also get interact with the children. The dogs that are used for the program are certified therapy dogs and have all gone through some degree of training. Frequently, local animal shelters will sponsor the program, which not only helps raise awareness for the plight of adoptable animals, but many times trains some of their own shelter dogs to be literary assistance dogs as well.
With the help of this program and the therapy dogs, children with weak reading skills can be given a new way to improve their literacy, as well as reinforce their social skills.
