East Fishkill Library Introduces Read to Canine Program For Young Readers

How Reading To Dogs Helps Young Children

Learning to read and having confidence while reading out loud is an important skill to have as you grow up.

But sometimes it can be a bit intimidating. Research shows that reading out loud to an audience, no matter who or what it may be, can have a positive impact on young readers.

Canine-Assisted Read-Aloud Programs Pop Up Across The Country

Recently, libraries and animal rescues across the country have introduce canine-assisted read-aloud programs. These programs introduce a handler with a trained therapy dog to child and give the young reader the opportunity to read aloud to them.

Purina, the dog and cat food company, explains that reading to a dog "can be a pressure free experience" adding

likely because dogs offer a comforting, non-judgmental presence. Students reported feeling more relaxed about reading after experiencing reading to a dog.

In a University of California study shared by Purina, reading to a dog can help improve reading abilities "specifically reading fluency" which it the ability to read accurately and smoothly, while quickly comprehending the content you're reading.

Lucky for us, a local library is bringing in a four legged friend who's all ears for young readers.

Read To Anita at East Fishkill Community Library

If you have a child interested in improving their reading skills, they have the opportunity to read to Anita.

Anita is a  German Shepherd with certification as a "Tail Waggin' Tutor" therapy dog. She works with the East Fishkill Community Library on Route 376 in Hopewell Junction. The Read to Anita program runs every 2nd Thursday of each month from 5 pm to 6 pm.

Registration is required and you can do so on the East Fishkill Community Library website. One child (accompanied by an adult) will read to Anita at a time.

Children in 1st through 6th grade who can ready aloud are eligible to take part in the Read to Anita program.