This wonderful supplemental "program" is for my First Grade students only, to support their blossoming fluency and expression as they learn to read books at their level. Once a month, adorable, trained, certified "reading therapy" dogs visit our school, along with their talented and helpful owner "mommies." During the students' time with the pooches, they are able to circulate among the dogs, reading to them a book (or books) they have been practicing. Photographs are taken, and scrapbooks are kept for each student to record the memorable experiences. It is really amazing to see the delight in their eyes as my students realize that TODAY is the day that the DOGS are coming! Because they have a motivational impact, students are willing to take the time to practice reading a book over and over, to improve their accuracy AND fluency. And of course, there is nothing more soothing then to be able to pet a fluffy, calm and lovable animal while you are reading aloud!