| MORE ABOUT READING WITH ROVER |
| Why does Reading With Rover Work? |
| A study in 2002 by Karen Allen, PhD, a researcher at the State University of New York at Buffalo showed that the presence of dog lowered people's blood pressure while they read aloud to a dog. According to the study, published in the September 2002 issue of the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, this research demonstrates "that pets can buffer reactions to acute stress as well as reduce the perception of stress." One reason Allen believes this is true is because animals are not seen as judgmental. |
| Past Studies Support Similar Results |
| Researcher Aaron Katcher notes, in his book Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship, © 1996 West Lafayette, Indiana: Purdue University Press, that the presence of an animal can create a therapeutic environment if it: |
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Draws attention outward
Turns off anxiety, anger, depression
Creates safety
Creates intimacy
Increases positive expectations of both self and others
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| Our Own Results! |
| The dogs involved in the Reading With Rover program help turn the reading environment into a non-threatening place where children can read for the fun of it! There is no risk of being embarrassed when he/she mispronounces a word, reads at a slow speed or does not comprehend the exact meaning of sentences. |
| At Woodmoor Elementary School (just one of our current 'read' locations), the Reading With Rover program is showing great results. Kids are more excited about reading because reading to a dog is more fun. The kids range in age from 7 to 12 years old and most join the program reading below grade level or have self esteem issues and have been identified as at-risk youth. They are pre-selected by the wonderful reading staff at Woodmoor Elementary School for participation in the Reading With Rover program. |
| In addition to increased reading fluency, teachers have also noted: |
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Decreased absenteeism
Kids have improved self-confidence and self-esteem
Kids have a sense of pride in their accomplishments
Kids become involved in other school activities
Kids have improved hygiene
Kids are gentler and have more respectful interactions with animals
Kids find reading fun and volunteer to read aloud in class
Kids check out books from the library and ask the librarian about books
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| We NEED You! |
| If you would like to read more about ongoing reading programs in which Pet Partners® are involved, please visit the Delta Society® website or the Intermountain Therapy Animals website. |
