Reading To Dogs

From the Monona Public Library web page (http://www.mononalibrary.org/index.html):

"Read to a Dog! Have fun, make a new (canine) friend, and improve your reading skills. Independent readers in grades 1-5 are invited to read to a socialized, experienced therapy dog with the dog owner. Children can bring their own books or choose a book from the display when you arrive. Reading sessions last for 15 minutes. Download an application and return to Main Desk. Sessions take place Wednesday, January 23, and Saturday, February 2."

REQUIRES REGISTRATION BUT IT'S A FREE PROGRAM.

Kids reading to dogs? I'll admit my first reaction, was 'huh, what the heck is this about'? But before jduging it, read on and check out this innovative program brought to you by the Monona Public library.

Basically the idea is to help kids get more comfortable with reading by reading to a trained therapy dog.

"The mission of the R.E.A.D.® program is to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of registered therapy teams as literacy mentors....R.E.A.D. is one of those ideas that, in the words of Bill Moyers, “pierces the mundane to arrive at the marvelous."

To learn more in general: http://www.therapyanimals.org/read/

Here is a link to an excellent story in the Capital Times on this program:

2 DATES FOR LIBRARY DOGS