The mission of the R.E.A.D. program is to improve the literacy skills of children through
the assistance of registered therapy teams as literacy mentors.
The scope of the R.E.A.D. program is to demonstrate how registered therapy dogs and their handlers can be instrumental in improving the literacy skills of children in an effective, unique and, most importantly, fun manner. Literacy specialists acknowledge that children who are below their peers in reading skills are often intimidated by reading aloud in a group, often have lower self-esteem, and view reading as a chore. The intent of the R.E.A.D. program is to have children read to the therapy animals.
Research with therapy animals indicates that children with low self-esteem are often more willing to interact with an animal than another person. Further, during such interaction they are inclined to forget about their limitations. There are also physiological benefits to interacting with animals, including increased relaxation and lower blood pressure. The premise of the R.E.A.D. program is that children will find reading to an animal less intimidating, a special time for them that is helpful and fun and will become a positive environment in which learning is facilitated.
The focus of the reading will be age-appropriate books with animal themes. The Intermountain Therapy Animals teams will provide books that are "pawtographed" by the therapy animals for the children to read. As they advance to the next level of reading, a "pawtographed" book for that level will be given to the child to keep. R.E.A.D. programs can be implemented in elementary schools, preschools, after-school latchkey programs, healthcare facilities, local libraries and even in a child's home.
BENEFITS
Intermountain Therapy Animals anticipates many benefits to participants
in the R.E.A.D. program, including:
- Children improve their reading skills in a unique and fun environment
- The program can be implemented in many settings
- The program promotes another positive way that animals can make a positive difference in children's lives
- R.E.A.D. can potentially be successful with older children, as well.
EXPENSES
The R.E.A.D. program has costs similar to those of other programs.
These include recruitment and training of animals and handlers, uniforms,
promotional materials for the program, and purchase of book plates and age
appropriate books.
R.E.A.D. PROGRAM CONTACTS
For more information about R.E.A.D., please contact Intermountain Therapy Animals
at 801-272-3439