24
Paws to Read at Kearney Public Library Presented by Kim Williams and Christine Walsh
| Date post: | 06-May-2015 |
| Category: |
Education |
| Upload: | nebraska-library-commission |
| View: | 300 times |
| Download: | 0 times |
Paws to Read at Kearney Public Library
Presented by Kim Williams and Christine Walsh
Kim Williams & Penny• TDInc. member since 2006• Tester/Observer since 2008• TDInc. Board member since
2012
Penny• Pembroke Welsh Corgi• 10 years old• Pet therapy for 8 years• Currently mentoring new
puppy at home
Teddy with Christine and Sarah Walsh
• Sarah, Christine and Teddy TDInc. Members since 2010
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel• Pet therapy for 3 years • 5 years old• Currently on remote assignment
at the University of Missouri-Columbia
Why let your library go to the dogs?
Reading Skills• Reading to dogs gives children essential extra practice with
reading and oral skills.• Some children feel that reading becomes less difficult when
reading to a dog and are more willing to read aloud at school.• Reading to dogs has motivated some children to start reading
more at home, especially to their pets.• Children want to try reading more difficult books as they go
through the reading to dogs program.• Research studies have shown that reading fluency can increase
after participating in a reading to dogs program.
Emotional benefitsChildren enjoy the program and think it's fun! They
look forward to coming to the library because a dog is waiting for them.
Children feel comfortable reading to dogs because dogs don't judge if a word is mispronounced.
The process of petting dogs can help with motor skills and is also known to be a calming factor that can reduce stress, blood pressure, and anxiety.
Some children feel nervous when reading aloud and reading with a dog immediately calms them down.
Reading to dogs boosts the confidence levels of struggling readers and gives children an increased sense of pride.
Social BenefitsChildren learn to take turns while waiting for
their chance to read to the dog.Children can learn kindness and empathy by
petting the dogs, cuddling with them, and bringing them treats.
Communication skills can be improved by practicing reading aloud.
Participants enjoy talking with each other and sharing books they have read.
Children learn how to interact safely and respectfully with animals.
Therapy Dogs Inc.Mission:It is a goal of Therapy Dogs Inc. to provide registration, support, and insurance for members who are involved in volunteer animal assisted activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, visits to hospitals, special needs centers, schools, and nursing homes. Our objective is to form a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their special animals in order to bring happiness and cheer to people, young and old alike.
TDInc.HistoryGoalsRegistered dogsVolunteersLiability
Attributes: Handler & Dog What Makes a Good Handler
People who demonstrate good social skills, who can smile and relax and relate comfortably with their animal companions and other people.
Listens well Follows Instructions Knows their animal~ personality and needs. Truly enjoys conversations with strangers, extending yourself in often difficult
moments Comfortable with the often-unpleasant situations surrounding various therapies. Empathetic
What Makes a Good Dog Animals demonstrate behavior that is reliable and controllable. Animals enjoy being petted, hugged and touched. Animals are outgoing, friendly and confident in various surrounding. Animals are people-oriented. Handler and Animals enjoy being with each other and are excited for visits.
Paws at the Library
How it works at Kearney Public LibrarySupports the Library Mission Statement
The Kearney Public Library exists to provide equal access to information and to promote the enjoyment of reading, culture, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.
PartnershipTDInc. or Pet Partners – registered therapy
teamsGood Samaritan Hospital Volunteer ServicesFundingSummer Reading
Program componentsBookmarksBasketsBingo cardsBooks Frequent reader
rewardsStaffing &
volunteersRefocusing
Therapy Dogs out and about . . .
Paws around townHospital visitsCancer CenterSchools Care homesGrief camp for youthMemory WalkBark for Life
Paws for the Future
Contact information:Kim Williams
TDInc. Tester/[email protected]
Christine WalshAssistant Director – Kearney Public [email protected]
Shawna LindnerYouth Services Librarian – Kearney Public [email protected]
Therapy Dogs Incorporatedtherapydogs.com
