Unleashing Literacy: How Therapy Dogs are Transforming Children's Reading Skills

In a world where reading can be a daunting task for many children, one organization has found a unique solution – therapy dogs. PAWS 2 Read, a program that partners with libraries across the Valley, is connecting kids with these furry companions to help improve their reading fluency and confidence. The Show's Amber Victoria Singer recently visited the Peoria Main Library to witness this remarkable initiative in action.

Unleashing the Power of Canine Companions to Boost Literacy

Providing a Judgment-Free Environment for Young Readers

The children's book corner at the Peoria Main Library is a hub of activity on a Saturday afternoon. Amidst the shelves of colorful books, a corgi and a chocolate lab are lounging on the floor, their handlers nearby, as kids take turns reading aloud to them. For 7-year-old Kendall Huff, this is a cherished opportunity to practice her reading skills without the fear of judgment."I like to read to the dogs so I can, so I can read and I can pet some dogs," Kendall explains, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Her mother, Jane Huff, has been bringing Kendall and her older sister Adeline to PAWS 2 Read events since the beginning of the year, recognizing the unique benefits it offers."It gives the girls a reason to read out loud to someone else that's not myself that won't judge them because they won't necessarily see them again, and it builds that reading fluency skill," Jane Huff says, highlighting the program's ability to create a safe and supportive environment for young readers.

Addressing Anxiety and Boosting Confidence

For Adeline, Kendall's older sister, the PAWS 2 Read program provides a valuable outlet for her anxiety. "My oldest, Adeline, she gets really excited for these types of events because she has a lot of anxiety and this is a smaller way for her to read out loud to people without a lot of eyes on her," Jane Huff explains. "It's a small group, there's no judgment."The presence of the therapy dogs, with their calming demeanor and unconditional acceptance, helps create an environment that allows children like Adeline to feel more at ease and confident in their reading abilities. This, in turn, can have a profound impact on their overall academic performance and self-esteem.

Maintaining Reading Skills During Summer Breaks

Sarah Roddy, a high school special education teacher and the owner of Penny, the chocolate lab, sees the PAWS 2 Read program as a valuable tool for preventing the dreaded "summer slide" – the phenomenon where students' reading levels can decline during the summer months when they're not actively engaged in academic activities."I always send my students' parents a message when we go on summer break, telling the kids to continue to practice their reading … their reading level does go down if you don't practice reading for the entire summer," Roddy explains. By providing a fun and engaging way for children to read aloud during the summer, the PAWS 2 Read program helps maintain and even improve their reading skills, setting them up for success when the new school year begins.

Expanding the Reach: From Young Readers to Teenagers

The PAWS 2 Read program is not limited to young children; it also welcomes older participants. "I even have had teenagers come sit here and read to Penny, so it's not just the little kids," Roddy says, highlighting the program's ability to cater to a wide range of age groups.By offering a welcoming and non-judgmental environment, the PAWS 2 Read program empowers children and teenagers alike to practice their reading skills, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of literature. Whether it's a 7-year-old like Kendall or a high school student, the therapy dogs provide a unique and supportive platform for improving literacy skills.