The Bright Spot Reading Buddies Program is back in full-swing after a week of school vacation. Therapy Dog Tucker started off the week by listening to 3rd graders read to him, then visiting for awhile with the pre-schoolers. Today, therapy dog Violet subbed for her pal Bright Spot Reading Buddy Lily who was under the weather after spending Monday at the vet having her teeth cleaned. Yes – even therapy dog Reading Buddies need substitutes!
Violet was all-ears as three first graders each read their books to her one-on-one in the special reading corner of the school’s library. Three second graders followed, each reading their prepared books. None of the children had met Violet before, so they LOVED petting her fluffy coat and running their fingers through her silky hair. Since Violet is scheduled to listen to 4th and 5th graders read books on Thursday (her regular time), therapy dog Lily will have the treat of meeting those students for the first time. The children enjoy reading to the different breeds of dogs. We have two Great Danes, one English Setter, one Border Collie, and one Australian Labradoodle in our Bright Spot Reading Buddies Program at the Westhampton Elementary School. Along with improving their reading skills, the children are learning about these different breeds.