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Zone 18
No. 13 Vol. 8
www.mypaperonline.com
April 25, 2017
Dogs All Ears At Pompton Lakes Library
F
By Ann Marie Barron or children who need to practice reading skills, a pair of furry ears awaits at the Pompton Lakes Library. Valor, a gentle, loving therapy dog, will be on hand at the library on several occasions in the coming months, and he’s more than happy to listen. “It’s a very good confidence builder for the kids,’’ said Ashley Monochello, the youth services librarian there. “I think, as adults, we tend to correct children a lot, and prompt them. Reading to a dog
gives them an opportunity to work at their own pace. They don’t feel like anybody is judging them or going to criticize them.’’ A 10-year-old Belgian Tervuren, Valor has been volunteering his time with his owner and handler, Elizabeth Smith, since the program’s inception last year. A certified therapy dog, his breed is known for its intelligence, attentiveness and loyalty. “He’s such a sweetheart,’’ Monochello said. “He’s very mellow. He seems like he really enjoys being petted and listening
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to the kids read.’’ The program, which started last January, has been successful thus far, Monochello said, noting that the busiest seasons are the spring and summer. Children ages 5-10 are asked to sign up in advance for each time slot. The children may bring reading materials from home or choose something from the library. Children get 10 to 15 minutes of one-on-one time with Valor, who’s usually all ears. Parents and Smith are on hand as well, in case advice or encouragement is needed. If the library is busy that day, other children may roam over to listen, too, Monochello said. Overall, the environment is very supportive and relaxing – something that’s critical to building confidence, she said. “I think it’s very easy for kids to get discouraged,’’ Monochello said. “If they can choose books on their
own and read what they want to and read at their own pace, I think they’re more inclined to continue to read. It makes it fun. It’s
not a chore. It’s not homework.’’ And, though the suggested age is 5 to 10 years old, it’s not a hard-and-fast
rule, she said. “We’ve had a couple of 11 and 12 year olds,’’ she said. “We’ve even had continued on page 2
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