Read to a Dog at the Library
Reading anxiety can affect readers of all ages. For school-aged readers, many are worried about reading fluently, others are worried about pronouncing words correctly, and some students worry about losing concentration while reading; even simple mistakes, such as skipping a line in the text, can be flustering. Reading aloud compounds these issues.
What is that old saying? Practice makes perfect? Practicing reading is not especially fun if you struggle with any type of reading anxiety, but enter a sweet dog who adores rubs and attention, and you are set!
The Beaufort County Library system has just what those anxious readers need: trained and licensed therapy dogs! Sessions are currently available at some of our libraries:
Hilton Head Branch Library
At the Hilton Head Branch, you will find a rotating group of dogs and volunteers who are coordinated by one volunteer. The dogs range from tiny chihuahuas to large standard poodles and German shepherds. During the school year, sessions occur on the 4th Saturday of the month from 1:30-2:30 pm. During June and July, you can schedule a reading session on the 4th Saturday of the month from 11:00-12:00 pm. Families or siblings can read together or solo, taking two appointments to practice their skills. Sessions are registered in 15-minute blocks, and we try to rotate as many readers through as many dogs as possible.
Port Royal Branch Library
At the Port Royal Branch, readers love having Olive, the Great Dane, and her owner, Kelly, join us. She is a gentle giant and is ready for folks to read to her! Keep an eye on the library's website for upcoming Read to the Dog days. Families may call the Port Royal Branch (843.255.6591) and sign up for a 15-minute time slot. Families with multiple children are welcome to sign up for back-to-back sessions so each child gets their own chance to read or share.
Beaufort Library
The downtown Beaufort Library’s dog is Belleau. She is a golden lab. Chris brings her on Wednesdays once a month while she is still a little busy as a new listener. Belleau also visits the Naval Hospital and other centers during the month. Belleau comes at 4:00 pm and reads with children for 15-minute sessions. Belleau is still learning to sit and listen, but she loves the attention and does a great job after she says hello to her reader with a wiggle and a sniff. We allow family members to accompany the reader. Sometimes we schedule two kids in the family: one child reads, and they switch off after 15 minutes. Some readers like to have a session all to themselves, which is an option. Please call the children’s desk at 843-255-6441 to schedule a session.
Four Potential Benefits of Reading to Dogs
1. Improves Reading Abilities
Reading to a dog may improve reading abilities, specifically reading fluency (the ability to read accurately and smoothly and quickly comprehend the content), according to a University of California (UC) study. This practice is shown to be particularly effective among home-schooled students. If you educate your kids at home or they participate in remote learning, this may be a helpful addition to reading lessons.
2. Makes Kids More Comfortable
For some children, reading to a canine can be a pressure-free experience. This is likely because dogs offer a comforting, non-judgmental presence. Students reported feeling more relaxed about reading after experiencing reading to a dog.
3. Improves Sentiments Towards Reading
In one study, children in a reading-to-dogs program showed improved attitudes towards reading, particularly academic readi
ng. Enjoying the experience of reading is important, as it can be key to determining a child’s educational success.
4. Helps Build Self-Confidence
Reading to a dog can improve a child’s self-confidence, especially at school. UC research shows that kids felt more comfortable participating in class after participating in a canine-assisted read-aloud program.
