The St. Louis Public Library is going to the dogs and librarians could not be happier about it. They say never work with kids or dogs. But kids and dogs - well that's a different story! They call it Paws For Reading, a unique program run by Support Dogs Of St. Louis, helping kids learn to read by having them read to therapy dogs.
The best thing about reading to dogs is also the best thing about dogs. They don't judge.
Bill Dahlkamp, with Support Dogs Inc., explains, "If the children have a hard time reading or if they mess up on a word, the dogs don't care, they continue to listen."
Support dogs first unleashed the program in schools starting in 2002 and it has been growing ever since.
This year, to kick off National Library Week, the St. Louis Public Library thought they would make it their pet project.
Library Deputy Director Diane Freiermuth says testing has shown kids who read to dogs have seen their comprehension improve two to three grade in just three to four months, "When kids know that dogs are going to be there to listen they practice at home maybe with their own dog."
Hopes are, if the library program works as well as the school program, others may try the same thing as the word gets around.
The Paws For Reading program will be available at several branches of the St. Louis Public Library until May 8th.
The best thing about reading to dogs is also the best thing about dogs. They don't judge.
Bill Dahlkamp, with Support Dogs Inc., explains, "If the children have a hard time reading or if they mess up on a word, the dogs don't care, they continue to listen."
Support dogs first unleashed the program in schools starting in 2002 and it has been growing ever since.
This year, to kick off National Library Week, the St. Louis Public Library thought they would make it their pet project.
Library Deputy Director Diane Freiermuth says testing has shown kids who read to dogs have seen their comprehension improve two to three grade in just three to four months, "When kids know that dogs are going to be there to listen they practice at home maybe with their own dog."
Hopes are, if the library program works as well as the school program, others may try the same thing as the word gets around.
The Paws For Reading program will be available at several branches of the St. Louis Public Library until May 8th.
