Five Reasons to 'Paws' for Reading

Reading to a dog improves reading abilities.

New readers need to practice, practice, practice to become good readers. Reading to a dog allows children to practice their reading without judgement. Practice makes perfect!

Reading to a dog relieves stress and anxiety.

These are stressful times, even for children, and setting aside time to read in a comfortable environment with a dog, allows children the ability to relax and unwind in the presence of a friendly and supportive canine companion. 

Reading to a dog helps cultivate a love for reading. 

When children read to dogs, they discover the joy and pleasure of storytelling. Dogs can provide an attentive and engaging audience that makes reading a fun and enjoyable experience. 

Reading to a dog fosters emotional connections. 

Dogs are natural therapy animals, and their presence has a calming effect on children. Reading to dogs fosters empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the human-animal bond.

Reading to dogs helps develop motivation to read.

Studies show that improving motivation for reading positively impacts children's reading performance and literacy overall. This is where dogs come in-children get excited and feel greater motivation to read with a canine companion!

Paws for Reading takes place twice a month for ages 5+ in the Youth Room.