R.E.A.D.



There are many programs that utilize dogs in therapy settings.  One such setting is a reading assistance program - where children read to a dog.  Loving  dogs, children, and reading,  I hope that someday Tucker and I can become part of such a program.

 



Intermountain Therapy Animals, a nonprofit organization, launched R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) in 1999 as the first comprehensive literacy program built around the idea children  reading to dogs. This is their answer to the question of how such a program works(quoted from their website):



 “... it involves a one-on-one experience with privacy or semi-privacy so that the child can blossom without the criticism of his/her peers. Each child spends about a half-hour with his dog—a few minutes getting acquainted and comfortable; time reading; then a few minutes at the end for tricks and treats and less formal play. They often sit together on the floor with big pillows, the dog sits or lies nearby, usually with some physical connection between dog and child, and we see what unfolds.



The dog makes a wonderful vehicle for communication. The handler can speak for and about the dog to make many valid points about pronunciation and comprehension. The handler can say, for instance, "Rover has never heard that word before, Jimmy—can you tell him what it means?" The possibilities are endless, and the child feels less embarrassed than when he is put on the spot. Meanwhile there are little games to play—the dog helps turn pages with his paw or nose, the child can give the dog a treat after completing a certain number of pages, etc. We encourage our teams to build on the unique personalities of both dog and handler, so each team develops their own singular "flavor," if you will.



The child is usually petting and stroking the dog while he is reading, which induces relaxation and lowers blood pressure and heart rate. And before you know it, the child forgets how hard he thinks reading is and starts to look forward to it. He comes running in with enthusiasm the next week saying things like: "Oh, Olivia, I have a story today that I know you’re just going to love!"

I wonder if anyone has used this same approach to help adults learn to read?