It’s not just the little kids who revel in their reading time at the Nutley Public Library. Sure, the parents and grandparents even some teens who claim they are “helping out” their young siblings will try to keep a giant smile off their faces when one of the cuddly therapy dogs appears, but let’s face it: no matter their age, everyone present is thoroughly delighted.
This spring, from April 5 through May 31, the Nutley Public Library is offering a wonderful and educational service called “Read to Dogs”.
Children are encouraged to come in during the visits and enjoy reading with their four-legged new best friends. Two weeks ago, I visited the library when therapy dog Rover visited. Sure, toddlers and babies were all over this very calm, cuddly dog. But the slightly older children took full advantage of what Rover had to offer: friendly ears as they read aloud to him.
But this is no superficial hour spent at a dog-petting zoo. Instead, the Nutley Public LIbrary is sharing a hands (and paws) on experience for the entire family that backs up what scientists have reported for years: our furry friends offer therapeutic benefits.
Besides the obvious cuddling and “feel good” aspects of spending time with a dog, there are also many other benefits. Therapy Dogs International, founded in New Jersey in 1976, reports that trained therapy dogs who sit with children that are independent readers actually improve the children’s reading abilities.
How does this work?
Research shows reading with dogs improves their confidence and also reading skills. By sitting down and reading to a dog, children become more comfortable and relaxed. A study offered by Tufts University reports “Students who struggle with reading often have low self-esteem and tend to withdraw from classroom activities.1 This decrease in confidence, along with a lower motivation to practice reading, makes this population of students very difficult to reach.”
But, when children read to dogs, interesting things happen. As I saw first hand, once the kids settle down and get to the business of reading, the visiting dog, Rover, created a safe and low-key atmosphere for them, instead of a more formal one where they might feel judged on their reading abilities.
“There are many health and psychological benefits of contact with animals, particularly for children,” the Tufts study reports. “One study found that pre-adolescents who had a pet also had higher autonomy, self-concept and self-esteem, all qualities considered important for academic success. In addition, results from this study also suggested that pets can be considered as a source of support.5 These benefits from human and animal interaction are not limited to pet owners. Another study found that the presence of a friendly dog reduced blood pressure in children who were asked to read aloud.”
The children’s room at the Nutley Public Library is a colorful, low-key and separate area set up to put children at ease. When you add in spending some time with a trained, friendly and adorable therapy dog like Rover, the effect is powerful.
Each child in the program couldn’t wait to read aloud, even though the room was filled with children and parents. Rover brought with him a sense of adventure, a relaxed atmosphere and much more: confidence for these young readers.
Check the library website for future registration times.
