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GOLDSTAR IN THE NEWS - READING, CONTINUED
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The program is designed so that each child works one-on-one with the dog and handler. Each child picks an animal-themed book that they would like to read, and then sits down with the dog to read. Miller said each child spends around 15-20 minutes with the dog and handler, and for the best results each child should read to the same dog during each session they attend.
The child is encouraged to read the book aloud to the dog, Miller said, and the child can also choose whether they want to sit next to, lie next to or pet the dog while they are reading. The handler is also present during the reading session to help and encourage the child to keep sounding out words they don’t know and to interact with the dog.
It has been proven that children who read with dogs have raised their reading skills by 36 percent, Miller said, because the kids are not being judged or criticized by the dog if they make a mistake. 'The kids know the dog is listening to them ... (but they) aren't afraid to make mistakes like in a classroom where other kids might laugh,' she said.
Reading with a dog builds confidence, Miller said, and it motivates a child to enjoy reading, which ultimately leads to the child wanting to read more on their own.
Annette Montoya, Taos Children's Library supervisor, said she was a little hesitant at first about the thought of children reading with dogs, but thought it was a worthwhile and interesting program to look into. "I think a lot of kids really relate to the dogs ... (and) I'm really looking forward to the program being a success," Montoya said.
On Saturday ( July 29) the first session of the Reading With the Gold Star Dogs program was held at the Taos Children's Library. Two teams were present - Sandra Miller and her dog Shiloh, and April Werner and her dog Jack - and many children waited with eager anticipation for their turn to read with one of the dogs.
Gabriel Mart'nez, 7, was paired with Jack for his first reading session. When asked if he liked reading to the dog Mart'nez said, "I liked it ... Jack liked it ... he was all relaxed." Adrianna Castro, 8, read her book to Shiloh and loved every minute of it. "(Shiloh) was real good, but just not paying attention," Castro said. "It was very fun (reading with Shiloh) ... and the lady that was reading with me helped me with the words; she was nice." Edward Hammer, 8, also enjoyed his reading time with Jack. Hammer said Jack was listening to the story and he seemed to enjoy it. "It was a pretty fun story, and Jack almost fell asleep," Hammer said.
Mariana Jimenez Gonzales, 6, was very excited that her reading partner was Shiloh, but she wished she could have read more books. "Shiloh is really soft ... and I only got to read one book because I was getting tired," she said.
Ideally each session should only accommodate four children, Miller said, but if there is an increase in the number of children who sign up she said she will be happy to work with the Children's Library to extend the time or bring in more teams.
Miller said she is accepting donations from the community that will help her purchase more animal-themed books for the children to read during their sessions with the dogs. Another need that Miller expressed is for volunteers who will take turns rotating as a host during each Saturday session.
The hosts will do such things as keeping the program running on time, getting each child ready to read to the dog and keeping an open space for the dogs so that they can come and go without interference. Miller said there is no need to be registered with the Delta Society to serve as host, and she is looking for a volunteer to help out
The ultimate goal of this program is to help children overcome their anxieties and struggles with reading, Miller said, all while having a fun time. When children master their reading skills and build up their confidence through the reading program, Miller said, they will have two valuable life skills that can be applied to every situation they face, both now and in the future.
For more information about the Reading With the Gold Star Dogs program, contact Annette Montoya at 505-737-2589, or Sandra Miller at 505-758-0123. |
Shiloh looks on as Adrianna Castro, 8, reads her a story. |
Gabriel Mart'nez, 7, reads to his relaxed
canine partner, Jack.
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