The Bright Spot Therapy Dog Team of Ern Damon and his Great Dane Tucker were a big hit today at the Westhampton Public Library as they kicked off the Summer Reading-to-Dogs Program which will run every Thursday from 2:00-3:00 through mid-August in the Children’s Area of the library.
Children interested in reading one-on-one to Tucker should sign up at the circulation desk for a 20-minute reading time. There are three, 20-minute slots available each week.
The Program is designed to encourage reading-for-fun and a love-of-reading in a relaxed atmosphere. The therapy dog provides a gentle, non-threatening buddy that listens patiently as the child reads aloud. It’s beneficial for all students to read aloud to practice their fluency and further strengthen their confidence in reading. The Reading-to-Dogs Program is a fun and unique way to do this.
Children prepare ahead for their reading time with Tucker by taking the following steps: 1) Select a book they’d enjoy reading. 2) Practice reading it at home. 3) Come to the library at their assigned reading time. Tucker will be waiting on a cozy blanket in the Children’s Area – all stretched out and ready for a good story. He’s a really good listener. As you can see from the photo at the top, he really enjoys listening to Dr. Seuss! Reading-to-Dogs is LOTS OF FUN!!!
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