Our pilot Bright Spot Reading-to-Dogs Program at the Westhampton Elementary School was a great success. Eight students in grades one through three participated in the after school program that ran four consecutive weeks on Mondays from 3:15 to 4:00 p.m. in the school’s library. On the last day, all participating students turned out to read James a final story before the summer break. Bright Spot Therapy Dog James enjoyed every minute of the attention he received from the young readers.
School librarian Karen Rousseau and I will meet next week to craft a reading-to-dogs program that will take place during the school day and commence in September with the start of the new school year. Not sure yet how we’ll work it – but as plans develop, I’ll write more about this exciting new program which is designed to help readers on all levels. For children who experience difficulties with reading, the dog presents a non-threatening, non-judgemental reading buddy, which results in building self-esteem as the child feels at ease reading to his canine friend. For the advanced reader, the canine reading buddy listens intently as the student develops fluency. 
It’s a win-win situation for all… the students, James (he loves the hugs and kisses), and me (as a former teacher specializing in remedial reading, I love being back working with the students). Lots of possibilities here! More to come on this…
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