Sacramento library program helps kids improve reading skills with dogs
On a Thursday afternoon, the Carmichael Library is offering a unique way for kids to stay engaged during summer break by pairing them with dogs to improve their reading skills.
“You get your summer reading medal,” a librarian said, as moms like Amy Becker bring their children to the library for educational activities.
“It’s just the perfect cool afternoon activity in Sacramento,” Becker said.
Reading often takes a backseat during summer vacation, but Librarian Kathy Chain is working to change that.
The library offers several summer programs to encourage reading, with the summer reading challenge being the most popular.
“Every child can learn to read,” Chain said. “Probably our biggest program is our summer reading challenge.”
One program, however, has become a standout favorite.
The “Read to a Dog” program, which began nearly two decades ago, allows children to read aloud to therapy dogs in a relaxed and supportive environment.
“My wife walked in [to the library] one day and said she was looking at a magazine. [Someone] said they were going to take their dogs into a library and have their kids read to dogs,” said 88-year-old Arnie Wildfeuer, who participates in the program with his 13-year-old dog, Nixie.
“This hour that I have this week is the best hour of the week for me,” Wildfeuer said.
The program is designed to help children struggling with reading gain confidence and improve their skills in a nonjudgmental setting.
“The dog isn’t judging you. They aren’t looking at you like, ‘This one again,'” Chain said.
“Dogs don’t know if you read the wrong words. He’s sometimes worried when he makes mistakes, and the dog doesn’t know that,” said a parent.
Experts say the program is effective. A UC Davis study from a few years ago found that reading to dogs can improve children’s reading fluency by 30%.
“It’s awesome. What do you guys think about it? It’s kind of fun reading to dogs,” said one participant.
For one hour every week, the library becomes a hub of furry friends and eager readers.
“The cuteness aside, we are developing that reader confidence. They know they can do this,” Chain said.
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