Young readers practice reading aloud to therapy dogs

Posted on February 25, 2018
Young readers get practice reading aloud with therapy dogs. (photo courtesy americanlibrariesmagazine.org)

By Crystal Donaldson

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington’s young readers are getting a head start on their public speaking skills in a unique way.

Bloomington Public Library’s Tales for Tails program focuses on helping young readers improve their ability to read aloud with the use of therapy dogs. Kindergarten through fifth graders take turns reading to a furry friend while the dogs ease their nerves and makes them feel more comfortable.

Bloomington children’s librarian Danny Rice said reading to therapy dogs can relieve anxiety and make kids better public speakers in the long run.

“The primary goal is always just to get people excited about reading and excited about working on their reading skills,” Rice explained. “Hopefully being able to do that with a dog will help them to feel at ease and to feel excited.”

The free program takes place Wednesday nights. Sign up the day of at the children’s desk.

Crystal Donaldson can be reached at [email protected].

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