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!
