Reading to Dogs Is FUNdamental at Oakland Library
LEESBURG, Ga. – Did you know that reading to a dog improves a child’s reading comprehension? This Saturday, July 18th, parents can bring their kids to Oakland Library at 1 p.m.and practice reading skills with a dog and Paws Patrol volunteer.
“Lee County Library is proud to be a host site for this wonderful program as it has a positive impact towards our early literacy efforts with young patrons giving them the opportunity to practice their reading skills with trained therapy dogs,” said Liz Sandefur, Lee County Library Director.
The program is called Puppy Tales, and children 4 and up can practice their reading skills with a therapy dog and Paws Patrol volunteer.
“While early reading definitely boosts language skills, reading out loud to a therapy dog specifically targets the emotional and psychological barriers many children face when learning to read. One reason it works so well is that this experience provides a judgment-free zone. Unlike peers or adults, dogs don’t correct mistakes, interrupt, or judge. This completely removes the performance anxiety and stress often associated with reading aloud,” said Ms. Sandefur.
It’s a great training tool for the dogs as well, because the dogs can practice their basic obedience skills and they are rewarded with love and affection.
“These are dog and handler teams, so it’s good training for both of them. Therapy Dogs must pass an evaluation to stay certified, and this program helps them work on their behavioral training and obedience skills. These are working dogs, and participating in Puppy Tales gives them a job to do,” said Cheryl Cohen, Paws Patrol therapy dog trainer and handler.
“Lee County Library has been partnering with Paws Patrol to host these sessions for well over a decade and the response from the community has been absolutely incredible!” said Ms. Sandefur.
Oakland Library is located at 445 Oakland Parkway West in Leesburg. To learn more about the Puppy Tales program, call 229-889-0300.
