Real Doggy Day Care

Children Reading to Dogs? It’s Not as Crazy as it Sounds.

By Kathleen Knapp

When walking into a library, one rarely expects to be confronted by a group of children surrounded by fluffy canines. And yet this is exactly what occurs on a weekly basis in many of Oklahoma City’s circulating libraries. Some children just come to pet the dogs, but most practice their reading skills on the tail-wagging companions. Reading to dogs, rather than teachers or peers, allows children to be completely uninhibited and thus enables them to learn to read aloud without feeling self-conscious. They are free from verbal corrections from parents, teachers and other readers. This creates a sense of independence that encourages self-correction and produces unbelievably competent diction in the readers. But they are not the only ones benefitting from the endeavor.

All the dogs used in the program are trained and certified therapy dogs, generally procured from Therapy Dogs International, and are accompanied by their owners. According to the owner of Tatum, a poodle mix, the dog loves the event as much as the kids, noting that “she just thrives on the attention.” Indeed, Tatum seemed to be in a state of ultimate relaxation throughout the afternoon. She fawned on the floor and allowed herself to be petted. And after the reading was finished, Tatum treated the children and their parents to a few of her most impressive tricks.

In some of the libraries, the children and the dogs sit in a big circle in the middle of the library reading all together. This is more common in the branches that are newer to the program. In other branches, however, the children are allowed into rooms with the dogs and their owners for one-on-one time, during which they are encouraged to read as many books as they like.

In looking and listening around the room filled with laughing children and panting pups, it is clear that this is more than just the new fad in learning technology. Here is a real chance for children to interact with each other and with animals, as well as learn to read and enunciate, and it is evidenced in the crystal clear diction and social confidence encountered in every participating child. A young man by the name of Jacob enthusiastically held out his hand for a shake and proceeded to elaborate on his favorite books, genres, and topics. He is a fan of nonfiction, and ancient Egypt is his current focus. The level of eloquence and social aptitude encountered in all the children was both surprising and gratifying and truly a good time. Parents of young readers throughout the OKC metro will surely want to start participating as soon as possible and give their children the chance to be a part of this unique and effective method of teaching. 

The session I attended is held every Thursday at the Village branch of the OKC Metropolitan Library system. More information about Children Reading to Dogs can be found at: http://www.mls.lib.ok.us/