Helping Kids Become Readers
The Canines for Literacy program allows Canines for Therapy teams to help bring the magic of reading to students. Teams serve as literacy mentors, assisting children with their quiet presence and helping them develop a love of reading and communication skills in a judgment-free environment.
Canines for Literacy is an affiliate program of Reading Education Assistance Dogs® (R.E.A.D.®), an Intermountain Therapy Animals program.
Who does Canines for Literacy serve?
Canines for Literacy teams serve children in the greater Wilmington and Raleigh/Durham communities at selected libraries and elementary schools during the school year.
Benefits of a Canine Literacy Team
- Develop a foundation for life-long learning
- Motivate & support children as they practice reading aloud with the support of the dogs’ handlers
- Maintain focus, reduce school absenteeism, and increase task persistence
- Reduce blood pressure and heart rate, helping nervous readers relax and focus
- Promote an additional way animals can make a positive difference in children’s lives
How do I become a Literacy Team?
Each Canines for Literacy Team is a certified Canines for Therapy team and has completed a comprehensive training program. Following successful certification, a Canines for Literacy team shadows a current team and then completes an additional 4-hour Reading Education Assistance Dogs® (R.E.A.D.®) course.
To learn more about Reading Education Assistance Dogs® (R.E.A.D.®) visit Intermountain Therapy Animals.
