D
No. 2 Vol. 8
www.thelivingstonnews.com
August 2016
Therapy Dogs Listen In At Library Story Time
By Cheryl Conway on’t think any educators would bark at reading aloud during summer months, but there are some dogs at the Livingston Library that just might. Young readers at the Livingston Public Library have been enjoying reading to therapy dogs at the PAWS To Read program. Held every Monday, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., since July, kids in grade one through four have been reading to the furry listeners in the library’s story room. A popular program held TES STIMA FREE E
at the library for about seven years, the last session for PAWS To Read this summer is set for Aug. 22. Organizers sometimes hold some scattered sessions during the school year as well to promote reading confidence. PAWS to Read is a highly recommended program to help readers improve in reading aloud and build confidence in new readers. “Dogs listen but don’t judge you,” says Latha Nair, a specialist in the Livingston Library Children’s Department for the past 15 FULLY
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years. “A dog doesn’t correct you. You feel more comfortable reading to a dog.” Children sign up in advance to participate in 15 minute reading slots. The children’s department hosts two therapy dogs for the hour allowing eight readers per session, explains Nair. Students usually pick early reader books or easier books to read, in any topic they prefer. “It has to fit a 15-minute slot,” says Nair, so the book cannot be too long. Some kids bring a book from home or grab one off the library shelf. Readers are joined by a therapy dog and the dog owner who sits with the dog, as well as any parents, siblings or other family members of the reader who are invited to listen, says Nair. The free program is popular in the summer as kids have more time in the
summer in the evenings, unlike during the school year when kids have other activities and homework, says Nair. About 32 students participated in this summer reading program this year, adds Anna Coats, director of children’s services at
Livingston Library. “The parents do say the children enjoy it,” says Nair. It gives them “more confidence in their own reading skills. It certainly helps because we do have people coming in year after year to do it.” The program really
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serves two purposes, say Coats. Beginner readers or those still learning to read can build their confidence with this program. Also, reading out loud gives young readers practice. “Even though it’s a dog, it’s someone else to read continued on next page $1.99
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