'Reading To A Dog' Program Helping Children In Branford Build Literacy Skills

Photos courtesy of Nancy Evans.

Branford, CT - Some furry friends in Branford are helping a group of youngsters boost their reading skills through a special "Read to a Dog" program at the Blackstone Library.

Pet Partners teamed up with the Blackstone Library to bring the literacy building program to children in Kindergarten through fourth grade.

The new program takes place one Friday per month from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and kids have the chance to read aloud to a therapy dog, trained through Pet Partners, in 15 minute blocks.

Volunteer Nancy Evans helped create the Bridgeport program with the children's library staff and the Read to a Dog Program kicked off in January.

Evans works with her two-year-old miniature poodle, Gideon, her fifth Pet Partners therapy dog over the past 12 years.

A staff of four therapy dogs/volunteers work with the monthly program, she said.

According to the program description: "Research shows that children reading aloud to dogs rather than humans reduces stress and creates a slight gain in reading ability and attitude toward reading in general. Most children are calmed by a dog’s presence and are more apt to read aloud since they know the dog will not be judgmental. This builds confidence and creates an enjoyable reading experience that allows children to tackle fluency, vocabulary and more difficult text without even realizing it."

Those interested in registering for the program can call the library at 203. 488. 1441. ext.

The James Blackstone Memorial Library is located at 758 Main Street, Branford, CT.

Visit the library's website here.