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R.E.A.D. Reading Education Assistance Dogs
R.E.A.D.
Reading EducationAssistance Dogs
MissionThe 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.
Who Are We? R.E.A.D. companions are
registered therapy animals who volunteer
with their owner/handlers as a team, going to
schools, libraries and many other settings as reading companions for
children.
Who Are We? R.E.A.D. dogs are
therapy animals who have been trained and
tested for health, safety, appropriate
skills and temperament.
What Makes a Good Reading Dog?
Calm, quiet, and attentiveSolid obedience skills Tolerant of chaotic environmentsTolerant of tugging, pulling, and exuberant handlingNeutral to the presence of objects in the area
Why Reading Dogs? Kids just love dogs!When they read to them, that positive emotion is associated with reading.Knowing the dog is waiting provides an incentive.Positive impact on kids with attention difficulties, disruptive behavior, and disinterest in reading
How Do Kids Benefit? Improvea reading skillsImproves communication skillsInstills a love of readingImproves self-confidence and self-esteem
When a R.E.A.D. Dog is Listening…
The environment changes; kids feel safe and reassured when cuddling with a dog; Dread is replaced by anticipation.
The handler provides support without pressure.The child gets practice.
Learning occurs. Vocabulary builds. Understanding & fluency increase.
When a R.E.A.D. Dog is Listening…
Relaxation increases and blood pressure lowers
Listen attentively
Don’t judge, laugh or criticize
Allow children to proceed at their own pace
Are less intimidating than peers
You Want To Do WHAT???
Dogs are too messy for libraries!Dogs don’t behave well enough for libraries!What about allergies??
We’re Not Messy!!All dogs must be groomed before visits.Handlers are required to bring a blanket or rug.
Behavior Problems!!Therapy dogs are tested for appropriate temperament.Certified therapy dogs carry insurance.
Allergies?!?!Some children are allergic and may have to avoid the library on dog days.Certain breeds of dogs are less allergenic.Dogs can be treated with anti-dander spray.
Things to Consider…Ensure that the dog is a certified therapy dog Certain breeds of dogs are less allergenic.Dogs can be treated with anti-dander spray.
Where to Find Dogs & More InformationPet Partners (formerly Delta Society)Tails of JoyLove on a LeashTherapy Dogs InternationalLibrary DogsIntermountain Therapy AnimalsPaws n EffectTails U Win
Research & ResultsLane, H. B., Zavada, S.D. (2013). When Reading Gets Ruff: Canine-Assisted Reading Programs. The Reading Teacher,
International Reading Association, Vol 67, Issue 2.
Friesen, L. (2013). The Gifted Child as Cheetah: A Unique Animal-Assisted Literacy Program. The Latham Letter, Vol. XXXIV, No. 1, pp. 6-10, Winter 2013. VIEW PDF
Shaw, Donita Massengill (2013). Man's Best Friend as a Reading Facilitator. The Reading Teacher (publication of the International Reading Association), Vol. 66, Issue 5, pp. 365-371. www.reading.org VIEW PDF
Friesen, L. (2012). Animal-assisted literacy learning as carnival: A Bakhtinian analysis. The International Journal of Learning, 18(3),305-324.
Friesen, L. & Delisle, E. (2012, March/April). Animal-assisted literacy: A supportive environment for constrained and unconstrained learning. Childhood Education International, 102-107.
Friesen, L. (2010). Animals in children's literature: A powerful motivator for literacy learning. Focus on Elementary: Association for Childhood Education International, 22(2), 1-7.
Friesen, L. (2009). Exploring animal-assisted programs with children in school and therapeutic contexts. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37(4), 261-267.
Friesen, L. (2009). How a therapy dog may inspire student literacy engagement in the elementary language arts classroom. [Special issue.] LEARNing Landscapes, 3(1), 105-122.
