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Children invited to read to man's
best friend
Norwalk Hour, April 14, 2009
Last month, the East Norwalk Library
held a dry run. Starting this Saturday, it's full speed ahead with
"D2R2/Dogs to Read to," where children will be able to practice their
reading skills to a very appreciative audience. In fact, they might get
a few barks of approval.
By participating in the "Dogs to Read to" and literally reading to
dogs, children will be able improve and build confidence in their
readings skills, while at the same time having lots of fun, according
to Stan Siegel, executive director of the East Norwalk Library at 51
Van Zant St.
"The concept itself is not new. The dogs who listen to the young
readers are accompanied by their trained handlers to help children
improve their reading skills," Siegel said. "With the help of the dogs,
reading
programs of this kind have shown to be effective in building children's
confidence in their own reading ability and help them learn to love
reading. And, in kids' own words, 'It's fun.'"
The reading program, which is set to begin from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m
Saturday, April 18, at the library, came together through the efforts of
a number of people and at least one dog.
"Brasil," a Whippet owned by Don Smith, has been engaging Stamford
Hospital patients as a Reading Education Assistance Dogs
Delta-certified Animal Assisted Activity Dog. "Brasil" has offered
companionship to help relieve stress and bring joy to the shut-in
patients. Smith reached out to Teri Klein, program director of RSVP of
SW Connecticut, according to Siegel.
"I was impressed by the idea -- to use Brasil and other dogs to help
children read and have an enriching experience," Klein said. "I
suggested that Nancy Pratt, outreach coordinator, look for a venue to
mount such a program."
Siegel said Pratt approached him and he immediately agreed. The East
Norwalk Library is the perfect venue for "Dogs to Read to" and "the
timing couldn't be better, according to Siegel.
"We had just completed inaugurating our Children's Library – the
Terry Rooney Room -- and are now ready to offer special programs for
children," Siegel said.
Siegel said he met with Smith, an RSVP volunteer and worked out the
details of the "Dogs to Read to" program, which initially will involve
Saturday morning sessions with children reading one-on-one, or small
groups of children reading to "Brasil." "Brasil" will not be the only
dog with ears perked to the young readers.
"I'm in touch with more than 20 other owners, whose pets are also
certified and would be happy to be read to as the program
continues," Smith said.
Maureen Tovish, East Norwalk Library librarian, has compiled a list of
more than a dozen parents eager to have their children participate in
the program, Siegel said. Siegel said a successful "dry run" with six
children and two dogs was held March 28.
"Dogs to Read to" is free, but pre-registration is required due to the
need to limit the group's size in order to give each child a chance to
read to a dog. Each child will receive an "D2R2 Certificate of
Accomplishment" and a copy of the book they chose to read, Siegel said.
To register, call (203) 838-0408 ext. 100,
or e-mail mail@eastnorwalklibrary.org
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