Dogs Helping Children Read

Reading to Dogs Programs

Reading ability has a significant impact on all areas of academic learning. Poor reading skills at an early age can lead to lower self-esteem, underachievement, a dislike of school and an increased risk of dropping out.

Students who struggle with reading benefit from individual reading instruction and extra reading time. (see sources below)

While researching our new “Dogs Make A Difference” TV Episode, we met some amazing Therapy Dogs who work in schools, libraries, bookstores and hospitals helping children. Our  research showed, one way to encourage students to read more and improve their skills and confidence, is the introduction of therapy dogs as part of a reading program.

Health and psychological studies indicate the benefits of contact with animals, particularly for children.  They can provide children with a relaxed and non judgemental atmosphere where they can feel comfortable learning.  As Dr Stanley Coren states in our documentary, and Karen Allen explains in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,  animals, particularly dogs, can cause reductions in blood pressure and stress hormones for humans, and even a release of hormones that reduce anxiety. One study measured the physiological stress response of a participant asked to complete a task alone, then again with a friend present, and finally with their dog. Results showed the highest level of stress among participants  was exhibited when their friend was present. The lowest level of stress was with their dog present. Allen’s explanation for these results is that the participants considered other people, as an evaluative presence while the dog is a non-evaluative presence, simply providing support and comfort without judging them.  Another study found that pre-adolescents who had a pet had higher autonomy, self-concept and self-esteem. All qualities considered important for academic success. In addition, results from this study also suggested that pets can be considered as a source of support.(see source below **)

The human-animal bond created during the Therapy Dog reading sessions seems to build confidence, while providing a support system needed to practise and improve cognitive learning. As researchers Barker and Wolen state in their review of The Benefits of Human-Companion Animal Interaction for the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education , there have been numerous studies related to the effects of therapy or service animals on children with disabilities and autism, including increased use of language and social interactions while with the animal.  Children in the presence of animals demonstrated a greater sustained focus and had a higher state of awareness, positively effecting attitudes toward school.

One of  our interview subjects was Marie, handler of gorgeous celebrity and Therapy Dog Bocker the Labradoodle. They participate in the Tail Waggin’ Tutors Program, part of Therapy Dogs International. Children love reading to Bocker. Bocker certainly made me, and everyone he met that day smile.

 

The main objective of the Tail Waggin’ Tutors Program program is to provide a relaxed and “dog-friendly” atmosphere, which allows students to practice the skill of reading. Many of the children chosen for this program have difficulties reading and as a result, have developed self-esteem issues. They are often self-conscious when reading aloud in front of other classmates.

By sitting down next to a dog and reading to the dog, all threats of being judged are put aside. The child relaxes, pats the attentive dog, and focuses on the reading. Reading improves because the child is practicing the skill of reading, building self-esteem, and associating reading with something pleasant – one  school said “children flourished, with reading scores going up”. Bocker also works with children with disabilities, or illnesses and they certainly appear to make great progress and enjoy his visits.

We also met the Therapy Pugs, Sailor and Scarlett (Allan’s Angels) who work in the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program which was created by a non-profit organization that encourages children to read through the use of well trained therapy animals.

Researchers at Tufts University  Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine  conducted a study with elementary school children to test the effectiveness of these types of programs.  Each child was asked to read three different 150 word passages for one minute each.  Resarchers then noted how many words the child got correct per minute (WCPM) then the median score was used as the child’s CBM score.  They were then given the Elementary Reading Attitude Survey (ERAS) to assess the child’s attitude toward reading in both academic and recreational settings. The results from the study confirm the positive effect therapy animals have on humans.  The findings suggest the “R.E.A.D. program may not only affect the reading ability of children during the program, but may make them more receptive to reading programs in a school setting.”

  

“We love to go to schools, libraries, hospitals and other places to spread pug love” – Therapy Pugs

Denise, the pugs handler, explained to us the importance of a therapy dog choosing their line of work. Both Sailor and Scarlett love working with children, so she decided to get involved with R.E.A.D.

“It’s been realized that dogs have such a calming influence on people in homes and hospitals. The program has really taken off and has shown that children reading to dogs increased their reading skills, increased their test scores, increased their participation in school events – because dogs don’t judge” Denise, a nurse, explains further that “just by petting a dog a child’s heart rate and blood pressure goes down. The dogs love it, and I love it!” As a self proclaimed bookworm and dog lover, she says the reading sessions are incredibly inspiring, rewarding and fun for both her, the dogs and the children. The pugs not only visit younger school children but also make special trips to local universities and colleges during mid terms  and finals, to help students take a much needed stress break. The pugs sometimes nod off and snore like they are hearing a bed time story.. which is so adorable- the kids love that!

Gizmo the Wonderdoglet, a Paws for Friendship certified therapy dog is also a Paws to Read certified animal assisted reading dog.

He visits local schools and libraries like the fabulous Hartford Public Library to encourage young visitors to practice their reading. These readers can  feel relaxed reading at their own pace to a patient and willing listener.  Gizmo loves to snuggle on laps while being read too. Handler Jennifer explained that Gizmos calm energy seems to transfer to the children making them calm and collected as they read. 

  

One of the biggest highlights for reading assistance dogs is their non judgemental passive company they offer the child.   As Gizmo’s handler pointed out the dogs will never scold or embarrass a child for making a mistake. They don’t know or care if a word or sound is wrong. They are simply there to enjoy the reading and company while offering an attentive ear.

Gizmo is nominated for a 2014 Hero Award and we think he is a Hero.

Gizmo’s online girlfriend Zoe the Therapy Dog a certified therapy dog with Therapy Dogs Inc. She also works with children on improving their reading abilities.

sources:

*Ecklund, B.K. and Lamon, K.M. 2008. Improving reading achievement through increased  motivation, specific skill enhancement, and practice time for elementary students. Education Resources Information Center, 1-105 and Wilfong, L.G. 2008. Building fluency, word-recognition ability, and confidence in struggling readers: The Poetry Academy. The Reading Teacher, 62(1), 4-13.

**Van Hautte, B.A. and Jarvis, P.A. 1995. The role of pets in preadolescent psychosocial development. J Appl Dev Psychol, 16(3), 63-479.