Who Let the Dogs Out In?

Therapy dogs are great listeners and enjoy having children read a good book to them.

Lakewood Public Library has! Why, you ask? Because these pups love, love, love when children read to them. We invite beginner readers to join us the second Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for Tail Waggin’ Tutors where school-age kids can enjoy reading books to these fabulous four-legged friends. Students can bone up on their reading skills and share a book or two with therapy dogs and their owners that have been certified through Therapy Dogs International.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors is specifically designed for children age 7 to 12, but younger readers are welcome when accompanied by an adult. This program is ideal for students who may be self conscious about reading aloud. Kids practice their reading skills in a relaxed, “dog-friendly” atmosphere. By sitting down next to a dog and reading to the dog, judgments are put aside. The child relaxes, pats the ever attentive dog, and focuses on the reading. Language arts skills improve because the student is practicing reading, building self-esteem, and associating reading with an enjoyable experience.

No registration is required for this “pup-ular” program. Simply stop by the Main Library Multipurpose Room in Children’s and Youth Services on a designated Saturday and select from a collection of dog-themed books chosen by our library staff, or students may bring their own book to share with one of the cuddly canines. Winter TWT dates include December 13, January 10 and February 14.

Not only is this a great opportunity for children to practice their reading out loud, but it’s a chance for the patient pups to practice their listening skills. There are always a few dogs waiting to hear a good story, so drop in for Tail Waggin’ Tutors. On a cold winter day there’s nothing better than snuggling up with a favorite, furry friend and enjoying a good book together.

For details about this and other youth literacy programs at Lakewood Public Library, please call 216-226-8275, ext.140. For more information on Therapy Dogs International, visit www.tdi-dog.org/.

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Volume 10, Issue 24, Posted 11:45 AM, 11.25.2014