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Literacy Program Features Puppies
on April 27, 2009
Children, dogs and books. You don't always see these three subjects in the same sentence, but you'll find them all in the same place at some Illinois elementary schools.
For one hour each week, the kids take turns cuddling puppies in their laps and reading a story to them, reports The State Journal-Register. Volunteers from the Animal Protective League bring the puppies as part of the Sit Stay Read literacy program so that the students will become comfortable reading stories, get excited about reading and interact with the dogs.
"Students often read for a grade, and this is a fun way to encourage reading and include all students at all reading and ability levels," said Jami Patterson, a fourth grade teacher at Pleasant Hill Elementary School.
Volunteers make sure that the dogs are docile, housebroken and can travel well before they take them to students. The puppies have helped all of Patterson's students improve and gain confidence in their reading.
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