Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/182037
Program Makes READING "Doggone" FUN BY KERRY PINTO A famous quote from an anonymous author states, "If you can read this, thank a teacher." But what if it said, "If you can read this, thank a…dog." That's just what the people at the Blue Gray Therapy Dogs organization hope will transpire with their Paws for Reading program. The program allows children to read to a trained therapy dog during a 15-minute time block. After each session, the child gets a bookmark with the therapy dog's photo to commemorate their reading session and hopefully encourage good reading habits at home. The enthusiasm for this program has been overwhelming. "It's a very positive program," says Sheryl Sinche, who works in the Central Rappahannock Regional Library children's division. "Kids get very excited to choose a book for the dogs. Some will choose girlrelated books for girl dogs and 'boy' books for boy dogs." The program has been available through the CRRL system since 2003. Now with over 50 teams in the Paws for Reading program, the program has expanded to Spotsylvania County Schools, as well as Hugh Mercer Elementary in the Fredericksburg City school district. The Paws teams are also invited to participate in other organized events such as Family Fun Day at the Spotsylvania Towne Centre, elementary schools' literacy nights and festivals. In September, the organization will have a Reading Corner at the Pet Expo. Molly Termorshuizen, a reading specialist in Stafford, comments on the benefits of children reading to dogs. "Dogs are excellent listeners and they do not correct or interrupt! They give the children an opportunity to word Rappahannock Reads A community read with special classes and events celebrating the creative spirit. The excitement continues! Workshops, special classes, and events through October. Learn more at LibraryPoint.org/MadeByHand Central Rappahannock Regional Library 18 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • October 2013 540-372-1144 • LibraryPoint.org