topic Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart in Community Chat

Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

NoelSeven — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 20:30:05 GMT

"These photos from the Book Buddies program are an overload of adorableness. The program is operated by the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, Penn. and invites children in grades 1–8 to visit the shelter and read to cats waiting for adoption. It helps the kids practice reading and provides the cats with interaction with a new friend."

Additional photos on link:

http://thebookinsider.com/shelter-cats/

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

NoelSeven — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 20:33:51 GMT

I read to my daughter all the time when she was little. I tried to teach her to read herself, but she wanted to be the listener.

One day, her kitty was listless, and an idea hit me. I told her the kitty probably didn't feel good and might like it if she read to her. That did it. My girl advanced quickly from simple picture books with a line or two of text to complex kid's books.

I LOVE THE IDEA OF KIDS READING TO SHELTER ANIMALS!

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

HisElk — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 20:38:42 GMT

Thanks for posting this information. Berks county is not that far from us; if we're ever in that area, I'd like to visit.

Also what a great idea that both helps animals and urges kids to read.

Edited to say that I just went on their website; those pictures are very heartwarming. Thanks again for this information.

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

NoelSeven — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 20:40:57 GMT

On 7/24/2014 HisElk said:
Thanks for posting this information. Berks county is not that far from us; if we're ever in that area, I'd like to visit.

Also what a great idea that both helps animals and urges kids to read.

If you do get the chance to visit, please tell us about it!

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

HisElk — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 20:42:56 GMT

On 7/24/2014 NoelSeven said:
On 7/24/2014 HisElk said:
Thanks for posting this information. Berks county is not that far from us; if we're ever in that area, I'd like to visit.

Also what a great idea that both helps animals and urges kids to read.

If you do get the chance to visit, please tell us about it!

Will do! I'd love to have a kitty, but DH is very allergic. He likes them, but just can't live with them.

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

NoelSeven — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 20:54:41 GMT

On 7/24/2014 HisElk said:
On 7/24/2014 NoelSeven said:
On 7/24/2014 HisElk said:
Thanks for posting this information. Berks county is not that far from us; if we're ever in that area, I'd like to visit.

Also what a great idea that both helps animals and urges kids to read.

If you do get the chance to visit, please tell us about it!

Will do! I'd love to have a kitty, but DH is very allergic. He likes them, but just can't live with them.

I had a friend with the same problems. When her kids became young adults and moved away from home, one got a kitty and one got a small dog.

Thanks for the offer to let us know what you see

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

aprilskies — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 22:57:57 GMT

Wow, that is a great idea. I love it.

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

mewsmomtoo — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 23:22:58 GMT

What a great idea! They are creating better readers, the cats get more human interaction and possibly become more adoptable, no doubt at least a couple of the readers will talk their parents into adopting a cat and these kids will probably grow up to have compassion for rescue animals and maybe even a passion for animal rescue. There are no losers.

This might be a program that could work well in my area. My state is one of worst in general for children and possibly the worst when it comes to education (we bounce around from #48 to #49 to #50, just depends on the year) and we are also a bad state when it comes to animals - so many abandoned, so many unneutered etc. This will probably make you laugh, but we actually have one particular part of town that has so many abandoned Chihuahuas that they have formed packs and roam the neighborhoods. It's not that they are scary but that there are so many that this is what has happened.

If we could teach children to become better readers, their lives will improve noticeably and, if in turn, we teach them compassion for animals (or rather the animals teach them), it might make a difference for the animals. You know what we animal rescue people always say: I can't save the world, but I can make a world of difference for this one.

Maybe I can look a little more into this and bring it to the attention of the private rescues and Animal Care and Control. Thank you for posting!

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

Marienkaefer2 — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 23:30:42 GMT

We have a dog reading program here. The dogs come to school. It's so cute because they seem to really be understanding the story!

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

LyndaGee — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 23:41:45 GMT

Love this idea, too. That photo is precious.

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

docsgirl — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 01:09:58 GMT

As a former reading specialist, I used to have the kids bring in their pets and read to them. I brought in my dog and read to him. Of course, the kids wanted to read to my dog, too. Other days, the kids would bring in their favorite stuffed animals and read to them. I also brought in local politicians, TV personalities, local sports figures, et al. The adults would share their favorite childhood books with the kids and tell them why the book is a life-long treasure to them. Then, the kids would get a chance to read their favorite books to the guests. We served cookies, milk, and coffee. The kids did the organizing and planning of the social so we were incorporating math. Of course, I had a lot of help from my wonderful parents. A good time was had by all and the kids gained so much. I'm so happy to read about other successful programs for kids and reading. Thanks for letting me share. docsgirl

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

MrsSweetieBear — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 01:18:32 GMT

I've heard of these programs in other places too, NoelSeven. Not here though unfortunately. My state is one of the worst in education and the welfare of animals. Of course I think a program combing the two is is wonderful!

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

NoelSeven — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 01:21:26 GMT

On 7/24/2014 mewsmomtoo said:
What a great idea! They are creating better readers, the cats get more human interaction and possibly become more adoptable, no doubt at least a couple of the readers will talk their parents into adopting a cat and these kids will probably grow up to have compassion for rescue animals and maybe even a passion for animal rescue. There are no losers.

This might be a program that could work well in my area. My state is one of worst in general for children and possibly the worst when it comes to education (we bounce around from #48 to #49 to #50, just depends on the year) and we are also a bad state when it comes to animals - so many abandoned, so many unneutered etc. This will probably make you laugh, but we actually have one particular part of town that has so many abandoned Chihuahuas that they have formed packs and roam the neighborhoods. It's not that they are scary but that there are so many that this is what has happened.

If we could teach children to become better readers, their lives will improve noticeably and, if in turn, we teach them compassion for animals (or rather the animals teach them), it might make a difference for the animals. You know what we animal rescue people always say: I can't save the world, but I can make a world of difference for this one.

Maybe I can look a little more into this and bring it to the attention of the private rescues and Animal Care and Control. Thank you for posting!

Oh, thank you! I can't tell you how happy I am that you might pass it on to those in your community!

I wish you well, mewsmomtoo

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

NoelSeven — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 01:23:24 GMT

On 7/24/2014 Marienkaefer2 said:
We have a dog reading program here. The dogs come to school. It's so cute because they seem to really be understanding the story!

Hi MK

What a great idea, using dogs in schools to help out with reading!

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

NoelSeven — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 01:26:16 GMT

On 7/24/2014 docsgirl said:
As a former reading specialist, I used to have the kids bring in their pets and read to them. I brought in my dog and read to him. Of course, the kids wanted to read to my dog, too. Other days, the kids would bring in their favorite stuffed animals and read to them. I also brought in local politicians, TV personalities, local sports figures, et al. The adults would share their favorite childhood books with the kids and tell them why the book is a life-long treasure to them. Then, the kids would get a chance to read their favorite books to the guests. We served cookies, milk, and coffee. The kids did the organizing and planning of the social so we were incorporating math. Of course, I had a lot of help from my wonderful parents. A good time was had by all and the kids gained so much. I'm so happy to read about other successful programs for kids and reading. Thanks for letting me share. docsgirl

Thank you, docsgirl, for your wonderful story!

You really worked in so many other factors, you deserve a medal... I'm not kidding Your program was basic behavior modification, pairing reading with numerous positive reinforcers.

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

NoelSeven — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 01:26:44 GMT

On 7/24/2014 MrsSweetieBear said:
I've heard of these programs in other places too, NoelSeven. Not here though unfortunately. My state is one of the worst in education and the welfare of animals. Of course I think a program combing the two is is wonderful!

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

Marienkaefer2 — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 03:02:19 GMT

On 7/24/2014 NoelSeven said:
On 7/24/2014 Marienkaefer2 said:
We have a dog reading program here. The dogs come to school. It's so cute because they seem to really be understanding the story!

Hi MK

What a great idea, using dogs in schools to help out with reading!

Yes, they come into the school with their humans, and the minute they walk through the front doors, they have these looks on their faces, like, "don't bother us, were here for an important job!" They know their way to the reading room, and they sit quietly and listen. It's the cutest thing, and the kids are so relaxed and happy, too.

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

Lila Belle — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 03:22:00 GMT

Our local library has a Paws to Read program. Therapy dogs visit every week and listen to the kids read. The little ones who haven't yet begun to read tell the dogs a story. It's a really super project.

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

Topaz Gem — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 03:48:17 GMT

That photo is so precious. The kitty is looking down at the book, appearing to follow the story as the little boy reads to him.

Re: Great Program For Kids & Rescue Animals! Photos Will Warm Your Heart

NoelSeven — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 04:04:19 GMT

On 7/24/2014 Topaz Gem said: That photo is so precious. The kitty is looking down at the book, appearing to follow the story as the little boy reads to him.

TG, I've seen so many photos like that, and our kitty did the same thing.