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Bideawee's Reading to Dogs Program

The Reading to Dogs Program, which involves having children read aloud to volunteer pet therapy dogs, helps children to improve their literacy skills, build their self-esteem, and foster a love for reading.

Dogs have proven that they are more than just companions. They have been trained to help the blind, sniff for explosives, provided soothing therapy for hospital patients and have even been know to help in early detection for cancer. Helping children to read is just another way that dogs have proven to be our invaluable friends.

According to the National Assessment of Education Progress, children who don't read for fun have much lower scores than children who do. Reading to dogs provides a fun, non-judgmental environment where children can improve their reading skills.

Literacy specialists have found that children that score below their peers in reading ability often suffer from low self-esteem and are self-conscious of reading aloud in a group. Research with therapy animals shows that children with low self esteem are often more comfortable interacting with animals. A dog's calm and attentive presence is comforting, and as a result, the child can begin to discover how enjoyable and worthwhile reading can be. Teachers report that children participating in Reading to Dogs demonstrate improved reading skills, decreased school absenteeism, increased frequency in the completion of homework assignments, and improved social skills and self-confidence.

Launched in 2003, Bideawee's Reading to Dogs Program has nearly tripled since its inception, and currently partners with eight schools on Long Island. More than 136 school children participate in weekly one-on-one sessions with a volunteer pet therapy pair. Reading to Dogs also serves nine libraries on Long Island, where our 22 library events have been attended by more than 370 children.

Bideawee is currently expanding the Reading to Dogs Program to more schools and libraries on Long Island and is launching the program in New York City! We are looking for volunteer pet pairs for all locations who can be available once a week. If you and your pet would like to audition for and be trained to participate in our Reading to Dogs Program, please contact the Bideawee Learning Center closest to you.