Reading Pawtners

The Reading Pawtners program improves children's communication and reading skills by utilizing an unusual method: reading to a dog. Reading Pawtners dogs are Canine Good Citizens and therapy animals (Delta Pet Partners) that volunteer with their owners as a team, going to schools as reading companions for children.

The goal of Reading Pawtners is to provide opportunities for volunteers to demonstrate the bond that they share with their dogs through interaction with children in the community and to promote the humane treatment of animals through the literature that is shared during the sessions, while providing a service of real value to the community, helping at-risk readers improve reading skills.

Animals can be ideal reading companions because they help increase relaxation and lower blood pressure. Unlike peers, animals are focused listeners; they don't judge or criticize, so children are more comfortable and inclined to forget about their own fears. Animals allow children to proceed at their own pace.

Participating children make strides in reading and communication skills while, along the way, building self-esteem, confidence, and social skills. In addition, results from similar programs have cited performance in other subject areas tends to improve, as does attendance and even personal hygiene.

Three elementary schools in South Kingstown currently participate in the Reading Pawtners program. This program will soon be available to all elementary schools within South Kingstown and Narragansett.

Our Pawtners