News Summary
The Phoenix Public Library’s innovative program ‘Sit, Stay, Read’ allows children to read aloud to certified therapy dogs, fostering a love for reading and enhancing literary skills. The initiative provides a non-judgmental environment, enabling kids to overcome their fears of reading out loud while receiving emotional support from the therapy dogs. However, increasing demand has led to challenges in accommodating all children interested in participating. As the program expands, it continues to positively impact literacy development in young readers across Phoenix.
Phoenix – The Phoenix Public Library is fostering a love for reading and building literary confidence among children through its innovative program, “Sit, Stay, Read.” This initiative allows kids to read aloud to certified therapy dogs at seven library locations across the city. The program has gained popularity for offering a non-judgmental atmosphere in which children can practice reading, making it easier for them to overcome fears associated with reading out loud.
During designated time slots, children can choose books from the library’s collection or bring their own to read to the therapy dogs. The interaction not only enhances their reading skills but also provides emotional support, as many children form strong attachments to the dogs. These bonds serve as motivation for the kids to improve their reading abilities, allowing them to make progress in a way that feels safe and enjoyable.
However, the increasing demand for the program has led to challenges with attendance. For example, at the Cesar Chavez Library, the program’s popularity has surged, resulting in some children being unable to read during certain sessions due to high attendance. The library has made efforts to accommodate as many participants as possible, emphasizing the need for more sessions to engage the growing number of young readers eager to participate.
The therapy dogs involved in the program are required to be certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. This certification process ensures that the dogs possess necessary traits such as patience and friendliness, making them ideal companions for children learning to read. Maire, a therapy dog brought in by a library volunteer, was certified after reaching one year old. Maire has a diverse history of working in various environments, including hospitals, schools, and airports, where she has been involved in reading programs to support children’s literacy development.
As children read to the therapy dogs, they receive individualized attention and encouragement, which significantly reduces their initial fear of reading in front of others. Many kids who may have previously struggled with literacy find a sense of relief and accomplishment through regular interaction with the dogs, leading to steady improvements in their skills. They often leave the sessions feeling proud and motivated to continue reading.
Pictures of the therapy dogs involved in the program can be found on the Phoenix Public Library’s website, showcasing the variety of canines participating across different library branches. This visual documentation highlights the friendly and supportive atmosphere that the program fosters, encouraging more families to partake.
The “Sit, Stay, Read” program continues to be funded by the Arizona Local News Foundation. Its success illustrates how innovative approaches can effectively address the challenges of child literacy. The library’s commitment to providing a nurturing environment for young readers, complemented by the calming presence of therapy dogs, is demonstrating profound benefits for children’s educational journeys in Phoenix.
As the program expands, the Phoenix Public Library is hopeful it can continue to inspire more children to embrace reading, fostering both confidence and a lifelong love of literature.
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