Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Reading Paws program at the Gulfport Library

I recently visited the Gulfport Public Library with Maya, a reading education assistance dog, and her handler, Bobbie.  Maya and Bobbie make a regular appearance at the Gulfport library, where kids read books to Maya.  Our young library guests had such a fun time reading to Maya that they didn't even realize that they were perfecting their reading skills.  Maya is a great reading companion because she doesn't judge how they read; she just listens and gives an encouraging nudge now and again.

Reading to a dog is a great way to build children's confidence in reading.  They're ideal reading companions because they:
  • Help increase relaxation and lower blood pressure
  • Listen attentively
  • Do not judge, laugh or criticize
  • Allow children to proceed at their own pace
  • Are less intimidating than other kids (and adults too!)
We could all take a lesson from dogs when it comes to encouraging kids to read!

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