On 10/05/08, Lola wrote:
> At a reading conference years ago, I attended a session about
> dog reading buddies. (Sorry, I can't remember the name of the
> organization.)
>
> Here's the set-up: A volunteer and his/her trained dog would
> go to the library, in their special spot, for a few hours.
> Students would come read books to the dog. The dog would have
> to be very friendly, mature, and able to sit and "look like
> they are reading." The volunteer would act as the dog's voice,
> by saying things like "Sammy really liked how you read that.
> But he needs a little help with this word here." The kids felt
> less threatened by reading to the dog than reading to a person
> because the dog wouldn't criticize or point out what they need
> to work on.
>
> I also remember them saying that dogs have to be healthy,
> current on all vaccinations, and heavily insured. Even the
> best dogs could sometimes snap at a child who accidently sits
> on their tail.
>
> I haven't actually heard of any of my local schools having such
> a program. I only know what I learned at the session. Does
> anyone actually have experience with a program such as this?
>
> Google Therapy Dogs or School Therapy dogs or Therapy Reading
Dogs in Schools. This is becoming very widely used and quite
beneficial.
>
> On 9/29/08, Kellie wrote:
>> The principal at the elementary that I went to would bring
>> her dog (a sheltie) to school. It would go with her when she
>> visited classrooms, and then the dog stayed in the office
>> with her. The students seemed to really enjoy seeing and
>> petting the dog. You would just want to make sure that the
>> students are not allergic, and you might also want to
>> consider that some children may be afraid of dogs no matter
>> how big or small the animal is. Another factor to consider
>> is making sure the dog is comfortable with large numbers of
>> people and being kept in one room for a certain length of
>> time. I think it can be a good idea as long as you consider
>> all the pros and cons that come along with it. Hope this
>> helped!
>>
>> On 9/29/08, Rhonda wrote:
>>> We (myself and the other special ed teacher) are wanting
>>> to get a classroom pet. We've considered all the obvious
>>> animals, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamster, reptiles, fish,
>>> bird, and ferrets. Has anyone ever had a dog as a
>>> classroom pet? What were your experiences? Do you have
>>> any suggestions or ideas? Thanks for your help.
>>

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