Learning to read is seldom a wholly intellectual issue — the context in which a child learns to read is as important as the child’s capacity.   Numerous studies and our experiential knowledge inform us that struggling readers often feel nervous or stressed, both emotionally and physically, when asked to read in class.  Other children may have unstable home-lives or use English as their second language.  These issues commonly compound and children slide farther and farther away from literacy.  However, through a unique collaboration between Thirteen and the New York Public Library (NYPL), the Martha Speaks^TM @ The Library program plans to improve the reading and communication skills of nearly 500 emerging or struggling readers by utilizing registered therapy animals.

Recognizing that home- and school-based literacy activities are essential to reading success, Thirteen is offering a number of supports to encourage reading through its Martha Speaks^TM @ The Library program. While extremely beneficial, the regularly scheduled R.E.A.D. offerings alone cannot develop a child’s literacy skills. Thirteen has developed strong teaching and learning based trainings, screenings and read-along sessions at the NYPL. Forty children’s librarians participated in a media literacy and training geared towards the Martha Speaks ^TM @ the Library program and content. So far two screenings have been conducted at the NYPL Webster Branch on the Upper East Side and the Mulberry Branch in SoHo with children coming out to enjoy a screening of Martha Speaks and a reading of a Martha Speaks followed by fun canine-related activities making for a 360º learning experience.

Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner or handler as a team, visiting schools or libraries as reading companions for children.  Currently, the New York Public Library (NYPL) has seven registered therapy volunteer teams that will rotate throughout six (four pre-existing, two new) NYPL branches across New York City. The program design is simple, yet effective — each child is given a twenty-minute appointment alone with a therapy dog and its handler.  During the appointment, the child reads and pets the quietly attentive dog while the handler facilitates the experience.

R.E.A.D. dogs are ideal reading companions as they:

• allow children to proceed at their own pace;
• are less intimidating than peers;
• do not judge, criticize, or laugh;
• listen attentively; and
• increase relaxation and lower blood pressure.

These factors, paired with the handler consistently providing support, allow the child to build self-esteem, strengthen vocabulary, increase understanding of the material, and gain fluency as a reader.  It is important to note that this program is mutually beneficial — not only are the dogs benefiting from the children’s affection, they also serve as ambassadors for all therapy animals, highlighting the many ways in which animals can positively contribute to society.

Thirteen in association with WGBH is in the process of creating an intensive summer read-along program to further help these dog-loving struggling readers. All of these programs are made possible due to funding from the Planet Dog Foundation and the Banfield Charitable Trust.

Contact your local NYPL Branch for more information. Hope to see you there!