An upcoming event in Mountlake Terrace will use a furry assistant to help children.
Paws for Reading is a program that helps youngsters build confidence and reading skills by reading aloud. However, they do not read to other children; they read to a certified therapy dog. The four-legged audience member is non-judgmental and a comforting presence for any child who is nervous about their skills.
The event is supported by Reading with Rover, and Pet Partners. MieMie Wu, a librarian in Bothell, Washington, founded Reading with Rover because of her love of reading. She heard about a similar program in Utah, and founded the local equivalent. Reading with Rover is now used by six school districts throughout Washington State, where it helps children become more comfortable reading aloud, read at higher levels, enhance social skills, and decrease shyness.
Pet Partners determines whether a person and their pet can qualify to work in therapy; specifically, if the animal can become a therapy animal. Currently, there are nine animals used in this field including cats, dogs, llamas, and horses.
When they plan events like this, organizers can announce them by using flyer printing to create handouts, which are economical and appropriate for distribution at the venue and in the local area.
Paws for Reading will take place on Saturday, November 14 at the Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Avenue West in Mountlake Terrace. The program is open to elementary school students aged 6 to 12, who must be accompanied by an adult. It will run from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon.
