School-age children are invited to come practice reading with registered therapy dogs and their owners. Why read to dogs? Most children have a natural affinity for and bond with dogs, and because dogs are non-judgmental, children are less self-conscious while reading aloud to them. Children can improve their reading skills in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, while enhancing self-esteem, motivating speech, and building confidence. Reading to a therapy dog can decrease stress and anxiety in general, and specifically while reading aloud in front of other human listeners! If children associate reading with struggle, worry, or embarrassment, this is a chance to create new and pleasant associations with reading instead!

Space is limited and registration is required. You will have the opportunity to select a specific time slot for your child to read with a dog closer to the date of the program, once we have confirmed the number of dogs that will be available. You may not be able to select a time slot until the afternoon of the program. Time slots are between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on how many dogs we will have and how many children have registered. Start times will be between 6:30 and 7:20 p.m.