Have you ever heard of the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D) program? This is brought to you by the Intermountain Therapy Animals organization. R.E.A.D. provides an exceptional curriculum that helps children hone their reading skills by reading to a specially trained R.E.A.D.
How does reading to a dog help a child with their reading skills? Some children have difficulty learning to read because they are afraid of constantly being corrected or criticized by peers or adults; these specially trained R.E.A.D.'s are extremely attentive listeners and won't distract easily. A dog's presence can lower a child's blood pressure and allow them to relax, relieving any anxiety that reading to an intimidating adult might produce. When a child is active in this program, they will be able to focus on the therapy animal; by reading to the cat or dog, they are attempting to help the animal "understand" the words on the page and the story in the book. Sometimes children are able to learn more when they see themselves as "teaching" or showing someone their skills. In this case, the dog is their attentive audience and their pupil. Though dogs cannot obviously provide instructional help, they are there to help the child practice their reading skills after they have formed a foundation in reading. Accompanying any therapy pet is always a handler or owner who is there to supervise the cat or dog to make sure it stays on task.
Where can people find these programs? The R.E.A.D. program is generally run at schools and libraries. If a specific location desires to offer the R.E.A.D. program, they are able to purchase the program's information, training supplies and material templates in the form of a training package. The information package provides tips on how to convince the proper boards as to why the R.E.A.D. program would benefit their school or community, in addition to providing tools to help facilitate the program, such as necessary volunteer and consent forms and books lists.
Do you want to know a bit more about the R.E.A.D. credentials? A reading assistance dog is registered, has been tested and approved by ITA, and they are insured as a therapy animal. This means that the animals have been screened for their temperament, skill ability, over-all health and cleanliness, and their good nature and loving attitude toward children. Though dogs are the common animal choice for the R.E.A.D. program, cats are sometimes also available for children who may be a bit afraid of dogs or who simply prefers cats.
The R.E.A.D. program is growing in popularity among schools and libraries nationwide. This program provides excellent start-up and training materials to allow the program take off as quickly and easily as possible. The ITA has also worked hard to make this program affordable because they are fully aware that there are sometimes budget limitations. The R.E.A.D. program affords a comfortable, fun, and relaxed setting for children to hone their literacy skills by reading to a gentle dog or cat. As this program continues to grow and thrive, so do the children in this fun and educational program!
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