Sarah Goggin, Sophomore
Various learning facilities have started enlisting therapy dogs to help children increase literacy skills, allowing children to interact with a trained therapy dog while learning to read. These types of programs not only increase the technical skills in reading and communicating that children need, but also teach them to enjoy reading by equating it with something they already love: dogs. Libraries and schools worldwide have seen the benefits of reading intervention using dogs, and Bucks County is no exception.
The elementary schools within Palisades School District have been incorporating Reading Dogs into their classes to help students meet their reading goals. Officially known as the Title 1 Reading Incentive Programs, this reading dog program is a small part of the Title 1 program, which strives to provide additional help in math and reading for students that need it. The Title 1 program’s goals include promoting positive attitudes and achievement in reading and writing, building student’s self-esteem, and helping parents aid their children in math and reading.
Tinicum Elementary School defines their specific goals for the program as a whole as to “create positive associations with reading, build reading fluency through ongoing practice at appropriate reading levels, help students reach their annual book goal and receive their reading ribbon, reward students for their efforts at home, [and] provide a relaxed, safe space in which to enjoy reading.”
The Reading Dog program is used to inspire students in the Title 1 program to complete all of their reading homework. The students are given monthly requirements to meet, and then they are able to read to the therapy dogs each month. Tinicum has noticed great success within this program, particularly in first and second grade. The program has been impactful for all grades within the elementary schools, increasing the number of students meeting their monthly goal.
Students in the Title 1 program at Durham Nockamixon Elementary School recently had their chance to read to a therapy dog, Asha. Asha’s owner, Erin Tolson, Cyber Dean and Special Education teacher at Palisades High School, noted the definite changes she has seen in students as a result of this program. They are much more inclined to read continuously, and they focus a lot better. Asha and other therapy dogs have also helped calm kids with aggressive tendencies, as they are encouraged to pet the therapy dog everytime they feel angry rather than lash out at the teacher or other students.
The high schoolers aren’t missing out on all the fun either. This Friday, Asha got to make the trip to Palisades High School! Everyone enjoyed seeing her in the halls with Mrs. Tolson, and she got to visit a couple different classes while she was here.
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