Awwww....doesn't he look peaceful? This photo was taken in Vermont, and is not my dog. I can't get Roxy to sit still for a photo!
It was a sunny day by the pool, and the resort owner's dog found a cozy, shady spot to get away from it all.
You've probably heard that spending time with a pet can reduce stress levels for people of all ages. Did you know that they can help children to become more confident readers as well?
The ABC News article, "Reading to Dogs Helps Kids Build Literacy Skills", calls our attention to the R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) that make regular visits to libraries across the USA. The specially trained dogs lend an ear, and some gentle encouragement, to children who are learning to read.
The program was started so that "kids would feel less stress reading if they were reading to someone who would never laugh at a mistake or judge them for mispronouncing a word." Dogs don't judge; they just love you. They don't expect you to be perfect.
I think the program is a fantastic idea, but I also think that even untrained pets can be read to! Children of all ages and reading levels would enjoy reading to a dog, cat, or even a guinea pig. Even toddlers and preschoolers would get a kick out of pets being included in family read aloud time! It's just one more way to make reading a fun and treasured activity.
I love the faces my dog makes when you talk to her with an enthusiastic voice. I'm sure she'd love to be read to if I acted out a story. So, you don't necessarily even need a book to read to a dog. You and your child could make up a story and act it out!
If you don't have a pet, your child might like to read, or act out a story to a stuffed animal or doll instead. Sometimes, the smallest things can make a big difference in the life of a child.
Have a wonderful weekend!