Paws for Reading Increases Young Readers' Confidence and Skills
Learning to read is hard. Making meaning from letters on a page takes practice (and lots of it!) It can also be pretty stressful. In the Children's Room, we sometimes see anxious parents and frustrated children when this process begins. We wish we could wave our magic wand or hit the easy button. Luckily, we have some four-legged friends on our side who are champions at calming fears, providing patience and lending a furry set of ears to listen. Paws for Reading is a program that gives beginning readers a safe space to sharpen their skills and gives experienced readers additional practice.
Here's how it works: You and your child sign up to be paired with a therapy dog. When it is time, your child meets his dog and reads aloud the book he selected. In this interaction, your child builds his skills and his confidence. Our therapy dogs in-training build listening and obedience skills as well. This experience transforms young readers and dogs alike. I have seen reluctant readers trudge into the room to leave excited, confident and ready to read again. Whether your child is just starting out or needs a little more work, Paws for Reading can help.
Please join us this Saturday, November 2nd at 3:00 pm in the Children's Room at Richland Library Main for Paws for Reading. If you need additional, hands-on help, please consider our Struggling Reader Workshop on Tuesday, November 5th.