Can a pet teach a child to read?
By Gina Spadafori
October 25, 2006
I love those programs where therapy dogs are used to help children learn to read. This piece has details on efforts in upstate New York:
Research has shown that the non-threatening and nonjudgmental time with therapy dogs leads to increased reading scores and improved self-confidence. And Van Corlaer students who have had two therapy dog sessions are already showing improvement.
In a recent session, a golden retriever named Sasha sat on the classroom floor with two elementary school students. One student read and, as he held the book with one hand, he petted his furry friend with the other. He looked up only to see if Sasha was really paying attention. Sasha was not only paying attention but also looked as if she enjoyed the story and the company.
Isn’t that wonderful? Honestly, it makes me all warm inside to read about how many ways animals help people, especially children.
Gina - I love these programs. I have to brag on my Lucy who just started a pet therapy reading program here. You can see pics of her on the front page of this website:
http://www.swohiodoberescue.org/
Judi
Comment by Judi — October 25, 2006 @ 10:34 am
Great program, but it always seems so sad to me that specil programs have to be set up for what used to come naturally.
Seems to me that kids used to read to their dogs as a normal activity. They also read to their dolls and stuffed animals. Now, I guess, it’s all television — and who would read to Barbie?
Comment by Margot — October 27, 2006 @ 1:26 am
Absolutely, pets help a lot in the society.
Comment by gazard — October 27, 2006 @ 8:34 pm