Published October 14, 2007 in the Hibbing Daily Tribune
Sometimes big problems require unusual solutions. For instance, who knew that the solution for kids who struggle to read might be “more dogs?” That’s right; I typed “dogs,” not “gods.” Polytheistic religions might have a place in some reading programs, but such programs probably wouldn’t be able to cite the results of one nationwide program involving dogs.
“R.E.A.D.” (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) was developed by Intermountain Therapy Animals in 1999. The program has the duel appeal of helping kids learn to read while working with trained therapy dogs that enjoy listening to stories. Educators say fear often inhibits kids’ reading skills more than anything else. The R.E.A.D. program is designed to reduce that fear while providing a supportive environment to learn.
Here in northern Minnesota, the Arrowhead Library System already introduced R.E.A.D. at local libraries including Eveleth and Babbitt. Many more Iron Range libraries plan to introduce the program this year. Rebecca Patton is Public Library Consultant for the Arrowhead Library System. She says children’s librarians at individual libraries contact local schools to offer the program to kids who read below level. If interested, a child may then meet with the dog at school or the library. After that, all the kid has to do is read to a dog that really enjoys the attention. Patton says the program generates results.
“We had a wonderful success story when a boy from the kindergarten class came to the R.E.A.D. session at one of the public libraries on the Range,” said Patton. “He could read only a few words. The dog owner gave him a book of just pictures to tell the dog the story. The boy did a great job telling the dog the story from the pictures. The boy read to the dog for 20 minutes once a week for 4 weeks. By the end of the third week, he went back to class and starting reading an ‘easy reader’ to the entire class. He was so excited he could read!”
I must admit I was a bit skeptical when someone told me about the R.E.A.D. program. Really? Dogs? But hearing more settled my doubts. It provides a creative solution to a real problem. Patton says people have been willing to accept the idea.
“I guess I have been lucky,” said Patton. “I have not had people act with skepticism. This program works because children who do not read well aloud are often laughed at by their peers. A dog does not laugh at the child. The dog just lies there enjoying the attention. Also, it has been proven that petting a dog, lowers blood pressure and has a calming effect on people. When a child is petting a dog or leaning against the dog reading to it, the child is able to concentrate better on reading.”
More kids will get to try the program over the winter, though Patton says they need more certified therapy dogs on the Iron Range. Any child who participates receives a free book to take home and read to their dog or cat. The Arrowhead system has grant funding to provide the books and a lifetime membership in R.E.A.D., so there is hope that any kid who needs help with reading could have a doggone good reading buddy in the future. (I almost made it without a pun. Almost.) Meantime, the natural relationship between kids and dogs may now work to improve literacy in our area. If results continue, teachers will see reading skills go through the woof. (Sorry, once the pun dam breaks you can’t stop it).
For more information, contact Patton at (218) 741-3840.
Who’s a good dog? If they help kids learn to read, Reading Assistance Education Dogs are good dogs. Yes, very good dogs.
Aaron J. Brown is a columnist for the Hibbing Daily Tribune.