Children seeking self confidence in reading may soon get a chance to practice their skills at the Bayonne Public Library by reading to a therapy dog.
The idea behind this program is to encourage kids to read out loud, and reading to a dog might be less intimidating than reading to a person. Reading hours are scheduled at the library, where children and dogs bond together while sharing a story. Libraries tend to be quiet places where people can relax. So they are an ideal place for children who may need help or practice with their reading.
“This is mostly geared towards the new readers who might have issues about reading out loud.” – Linda Sawyer
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“The dog will sit there and listen,” said Sawyer.
Children tend to associate reading with the dog and see reading as a less stressful activity – even something that can be fun. Over time, the child’s reading ability improves along with his or her confidence.
While the program was initially developed for struggling readers, even those who can already read well don’t want to pass up the chance to read to a therapy dog.
Sawyer said the sessions usually take place in a comfortable area. The child picks a book he or she would like to read, sits down with the dog, and starts reading.
The child builds confidence and skills in reading in a relaxed environment, said Linda Sawyer, who will be holding sessions on Mondays by appointment at the Bayonne library starting in January. She said these dogs provide comfort in a number of situations, and that she has always loved animals. Her dog Alf – a Labradoodle – is fully trained.
To become a therapy dog, a puppy must go through basic training classes, then general socializing and manner classes. They have to get along with people to even be considered.
All dogs must pass a test given by Therapy Dogs International, proving that they are well behaved, willing to be around people, and willing to be petted. Dogs that pass this test are certified, insured, and registered by TDI as volunteer therapy dogs.
Sawyer said her program will provide one-on-one sessions of about 20 minutes to a half hour, which will allow kids to practice their reading. This program is open to kids from about 5 to 12 years old.
“This is mostly geared towards the new readers who might have issues about reading out loud,” she said.
Therapy Dogs International developed the “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” program to help beginning readers and kids who are struggling with reading.
“A dog will simply listen,” she said.
According to TDI, research shows that the presence of a therapy dog improves the child’s self esteem and self confidence, as well as reading scores.
Therapy Dogs was established in New Jersey in 1980 to cheer up people in nursing homes and other institutions. Dogs are of all breeds, large and small, and there are even mixed breeds. They are carefully selected for soundness of temperament.
“They do not react to other animals,” Sawyer said. “To become a therapy dog, they must have a balanced temperament.”
These dogs tend to reduce stress in a variety of situations, and specially trained disaster stress relief dogs have been used to help people after major disasters such as 9/11 and the Oklahoma bombing.
“Dogs reduce stress and can help lower blood pressure,” Sawyer said.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (201) 455-5441.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.