PAWS for Reading
This innovative program aims to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of animals from the Portage County Humane Society and pet owners. RSVP volunteers take their own pets or an appropriate animal from the Humane Society to a local elementary school and young children will read to the animal. Research shows that children with low self-esteem are often more willing to interact with an animal than with another person. Children are finding that reading to an animal is less intimidating. Teachers and children are very excited about the program and it is a great motivator for children who are reluctant to read to an adult. Animals are non-judgmental and never criticize. Children often show pictures to the animals and wonder when they learned to read.
Expansion of this program came about quickly because many volunteers with Certified Pet Therapy dogs wanted to volunteer to have their animals read to as well. Currently there are 13 volunteers serving 6 elementary schools in the Stevens Point School District. This is a very popular program and additional volunteers are always welcome. Contact RSVP at 715-346-1401 or rsvp@co.portage.wi.us.
This innovative program aims to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of animals from the Portage County Humane Society and pet owners. RSVP volunteers take their own pets or an appropriate animal from the Humane Society to a local elementary school and young children will read to the animal. Research shows that children with low self-esteem are often more willing to interact with an animal than with another person. Children are finding that reading to an animal is less intimidating. Teachers and children are very excited about the program and it is a great motivator for children who are reluctant to read to an adult. Animals are non-judgmental and never criticize. Children often show pictures to the animals and wonder when they learned to read.
Expansion of this program came about quickly because many volunteers with Certified Pet Therapy dogs wanted to volunteer to have their animals read to as well. Currently there are 13 volunteers serving 6 elementary schools in the Stevens Point School District. This is a very popular program and additional volunteers are always welcome. Contact RSVP at 715-346-1401 or rsvp@co.portage.wi.us.
Lincoln Center
1519 Water Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-346-1401
1519 Water Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-346-1401
