Reading program beneficial for kids and shelter pets
GROVE, Okla. — Kids in northeast Oklahoma are becoming better readers, thanks to an audience of furry friends.
Second grade students at Grove Elementary spent part of their afternoon reading to cats and dogs at Second Chance Pet Rescue of Grand Lake. Students from the Lower Elementary are bussed to the shelter each Friday during school to participate in “Claire’s Reading Program.”
It’s the brainchild of Louise Templin, a volunteer and board member at Second Chance Pet Rescue. Templin started Claire’s Reading Program last August to promote reading, while also encouraging kindness to animals.
| Reading Is Good For Kids — And Dogs — And Cats Too >
After learning about the program, Grove Lower Elementary Principal, Dottie Smith got her students involved.
Already, the reading program is proving to be a success. Smith says she has seen an improvement in student reading skills and self-confidence.
The animals are benefiting as well. The reading program helps the shelter pets to develop social skills, giving them a better chance of being adopted.
“I read, We Don’t Lose Our Class Pets, and I read to the cat and the cat was probably my favorite,” said Lara O’Leary, a second-grade student at Grove Elementary.
“To the dogs I read, Munch on Cake, and then, I Found The Kitty, I read to the dogs too,” said Kyra Rhatigan, second-grade student at Grove Elementary.
“We have these students that come out and they say, ‘I enjoy reading to these animals. I want to learn more words and to teach these animals.’ It’s almost as if they’re teaching these animals, and they’re teaching themselves by doing it too,” said Shane Britt, a volunteer at Second Chance Pet Rescue of Grand Lake.
With summer break just around the corner, Friday (4/12) was the last day for Grove Elementary Students to practice their reading skills with the shelter pets — at least until next school year.
Kids involved in various groups and organizations in Northeast Oklahoma will keep the reading program going through the summer months.
