Wag the Dog Readers

Animal-Assisted Literacy Program

 

Supporting education and innovation

 

Many children struggle with reading at different stages of their learning. They may have difficulty reading out loud to parents or in front of a group of peers. A therapy dog is not only cute and fun to read to, it is non-judgmental. No pressure. No embarrassment. No humiliation. Reading with a dog has been shown to help improve a child’s confidence, self-esteem, focus and desire to read. Teachers and parents have noted that there is a significant increase in the reading abilities of a child that has participated in a reading program.

Sessions last approximately 20 minutes. Each child is paired with a dog and its volunteer handler. Following a brief introduction, the child reads to a dog, gives it a virtual pat and goes on with the day.

With each reading, you will receive a thank you card with your reading dog’s photo card. Collect them all!

Readers also receive a Wag the Dog Reader wristband, bookmarks, certificates and more!!!! The more you read, the more prizes you earn!

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Materials for Learning

To use Zoom on a laptop or computer you will need:

  • A computer or laptop which has speakers, a microphone and a video camera. If your laptop doesn't have a video camera, you can buy these inexpensively.

  • If your computer doesn't have speakers or a microphone, you might try hands-free headphones which have an integrated microphone. Using headphones is a good thing so that you don't disturb others.

  • A reliable internet connection and preferably a quiet room.

You can also access Zoom from your mobile phone or tablet.  Zoom gives some specific instructions for each. We recommend downloading the free App which makes this easier.  

It is easier if you have a set of combined headphones and microphone if possible.

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Keeping Children Engaged

Worldwide children's book publishing company Scholastic recently released their biennial report about children's reading, and it looks a bit grim. This time around the company surveyed 1,000 kids ages 6 to 17 as well as their parents, plus 678 parents of children between the ages of 0 through 5 years old. Children today read less frequently than any previous generation and enjoy reading less than young people did in the past, according to the new research.

The children are reading less because they have a number of alternatives that they find more fun and entertaining than the reading. These activities include watching TV, listening to the music, watching videos on the internet, social media, and video games. The technological progress over the last few decades have given us multi-functional portable gadgets such as smart phones and tablet devices that offer almost unlimited entertainment options. They are capable of playing music, videos, internet browsing, video games, and real-time communication. As a result, reading does not have the same allure it once had, especially when it is done for fun.

Studies also proved that children who read to dogs, virtually or in person, look forward to reading and improve their love of reading while doing so.

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Support for Communities

Education happens within the context of a larger community. Our approach extends beyond the school to help ensure students have the necessary support to do their best learning.

“At Grateful Rescue & Sanctuary, we don’t only help animals. We help people.”

— Pamela Terhune, Founder

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email
grateful@gratefulrescue.org

Phone
(844) 728-3255