Community Chat

[docsgirl]

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

[MrsSweetieBear]

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!

[NoelSeven]

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

[NoelSeven]

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!

[NoelSeven]

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.

[NoelSeven]

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!

[Marienkaefer2]

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.

[Lila Belle]

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.

[Topaz Gem]

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.

[NoelSeven]

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.