Tail Waggin' Tutors Help Struggling Young Readers Improve Their Reading Skills
October 11, 2017
A new program is helping kids improve their reading skills by placing a non-judgmental, furry listener in the audience.
Credit: Centre County Library
Tail Waggin' Tutors is an international program that allows students who have difficulties reading to practice their skills in a relaxed and "dog-friendly" atmosphere.
By sitting down next to a dog and reading aloud to the dog, all threats of being judged are put aside. The child relaxes, pats the attentive dog, and focuses on the reading.
According to TDI, "Reading improves because the child is practicing the skill of reading, building self-esteem, and associating reading with something pleasant."
The Centre County Library in Bellefonte, PA, is one of many libraries to adopt the program. Their cornerstone is a Scottish terrier named Faolin.
Dallas Flick, 7, reads to Faolin
The Spanish River Library in Boca Raton has four "tutors" that come in regularly.
"When they ask why the kids read to a dog, I say, because a dog is not going to correct them," said Shilo Perlman, a SPR library assistant in youth services.
"We've heard from many parents who will say, 'You know, my child will not read at home, won't pick up a book. She's afraid she's going to make mistakes. But she will read to the dog.'"
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Breathtaking: Hilarious Realtor Video Edit By Gen Z Employee Goes Viral
Woman Discovers Common Food Ingredient As The Ultimate Mosquito Repellent
A Hilarious Dog Story Told In Four Photos
Florida Police Urge People To Stop Taking Selfies With Bears
Experience The Thrill Of Mountain Biking In The Dolomites - Without The Danger!
Tornado Disrupts Wedding, Sends Guests To Basement. They Turned It Into A Magical Night
Young Man's Act Of Kindness For Woman At Concert Makes Her Day
Young Boy's Clever Kitchen Drawer Prank Leaves Dad Questioning Reality
Every Time The Power Goes Out, He Takes His Generator To His Elderly Neighbor's House
Gorilla Melts Hearts With Sweet Gesture Towards Newborn Baby
Michael Jackson's 'Smooth Criminal' Comes To Life In Stunning Shadow Puppet Show