Learning to read is often less about intellectual limitation than it is about overcoming fears, especially for children that are having trouble reading. Animals are ideal reading companions because they:
- Help increase relaxation and lower blood pressure
- Listen attentively
- Do not judge, laugh, or criticize
- Allow children to proceed at their own pace
- Are less intimidating than peers
When a dog is listening to a child read, the environment is transformed; a child’s dread is replaced by eager anticipation, and learning inevitably occurs. Marley’s Mutts’ “human volunteers”, too, are supportive and available to give kids the loving space they need for a positive shift in their reading performance. This type of supervised reading gives kids the practice necessary to build vocabulary, increase understanding of the material, and gain fluency as a reader.
Marley’s Mutts will be bringing dogs by to read with the kids at Beale Library from 4:00-6:00PM every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.
*** YOU MUST SIGN YOUR CHILD UP AHEAD OF TIME TO READ WITH THE DOGS. ***
For more information, or to sign your child up for a 15-20 minute reading session with a Mutt, call Susan Palm at 661-868-0745 or 661-868-0752, or email[email protected]
Beale Library is located at 701 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
NOTE TO TEHACHAPI RESIDENTS: We are working on setting up the same program at Tehachapi Library, and will keep you posted as things develop!
