R.E.A.D.
Reading Education
Assistance Dogs
Mission
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.
Who Are
We?
R.E.A.D.
companions are
registered
therapy animals
who volunteer
with their
owner/handlers
as a team, going
to schools,
libraries and
many other
settings as
Who Are
We?
R.E.A.D. dogs are
therapy animals
who have been
trained and
tested for
health, safety,
appropriate
skills and
temperament.
What Makes
a Good
Reading Dog?
Calm, quiet, and
attentive
Solid obedience
skills
Tolerant of chaotic
environments
Tolerant of
tugging, pulling,
and exuberant
Why Reading
Dogs?
Kids just love dogs!
When they read to them, that
positive emotion is associated
with reading.
Knowing the dog is waiting
provides an incentive.
Positive impact on kids with
attention difficulties,
disruptive behavior, and
disinterest in reading
How Do Kids
Benefit?
Improvea reading skills
Improves communication skills
Instills a love of reading
Improves self-confidence and
self-esteem
When a R.E.A.D. Dog is
Listening…
The environment changes; kids feel safe
and reassured when cuddling with a dog;
Dread is replaced by anticipation.
The handler provides support without
pressure.
The child gets practice.
Learning occurs.
Vocabulary builds.
When a R.E.A.D. Dog is
Listening…
Relaxation increases and blood
pressure lowers
Listen attentively
Don’t judge, laugh or criticize
Allow children to proceed at their own
pace
You Want To Do
WHAT???
Dogs are too messy for
libraries!
Dogs don’t behave well enough
for libraries!
What about allergies??
We’re Not
Messy!!
All dogs must be groomed
before visits.
Handlers are required to bring
a blanket or rug.
Behavior
Problems!!
Therapy dogs are tested for
appropriate temperament.
Certified therapy dogs carry
insurance.
Allergies?!?!
Some children are allergic and
may have to avoid the library on
dog days.
Certain breeds of dogs are less
allergenic.
Dogs can be treated with antidander spray.
Things to
Consider…
Ensure that the dog is a
certified therapy dog
Certain breeds of dogs are less
allergenic.
Dogs can be treated with antidander spray.
Find Dogs &
More
Information
Pet Partners (formerly
Delta Society)
Tails of Joy
Love on a Leash
Therapy Dogs
International
Library Dogs
Intermountain
Therapy Animals
Paws n Effect
Today Show
Segment
Link to Show Segment
Research &
Results
Lane, H. B., Zavada, S.D. (2013). When Reading Gets Ruff: Canine-Assisted Reading
Programs. The Reading Teacher, International Reading Association, Vol 67, Issue 2.
Friesen, L. (2013). The Gifted Child as Cheetah: A Unique Animal-Assisted Literacy
Program. The Latham Letter, Vol. XXXIV, No. 1, pp. 6-10, Winter 2013. VIEW PDF
Shaw, Donita Massengill (2013). Man's Best Friend as a Reading Facilitator. The Reading
Teacher (publication of the International Reading Association), Vol. 66, Issue 5, pp. 365371. www.reading.org VIEW PDF
Friesen, L. (2012). Animal-assisted literacy learning as carnival: A Bakhtinian analysis.
The International Journal of Learning, 18(3),305-324.
Friesen, L. & Delisle, E. (2012, March/April). Animal-assisted literacy: A supportive
environment for constrained and unconstrained learning. Childhood Education
International, 102-107.
Friesen, L. (2010). Animals in children's literature: A powerful motivator for literacy
learning. Focus on Elementary: Association for Childhood Education International, 22(2),
1-7.
Friesen, L. (2009). Exploring animal-assisted programs with children in school and
therapeutic contexts. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37(4), 261-267.
Friesen, L. (2009). How a therapy dog may inspire student literacy engagement in the
elementary language arts classroom. [Special issue.] LEARNing Landscapes, 3(1), 105-122.