This week marks a very satisfied second in the Ledgard household. After lots of obedience work, public practice, and hugs and biscuits, Oliver (our older pup) joined the Reading with Rover team. Reading with Rover is a literacy program aimed at elementary school aged children. Inside the "Rover" program, children with reading difficulties actually read stories to a dog and the dog loves to listen,
Office 2007 Enterprise! A child that may be hesitant to read aloud to his peers is typically less stressed when reading to a dog and the dog never judges the child's reading ability. I know it sounds corny … but it’s not at all. Witnessing the bond between the children and the dogs is magical. It sends tingles down my spine, and I even get a bit teary eyed. It’s so wonderful to see the confidence a gentle and attentive dog can bring out in a child. Recently, the Reading with Rover program was highlighted on Animal Planet’s Jane Goodall: When Animals Talk. If you ever want to check out the effect this experience has on the children, tune in for the segment. It’s inside the last 1/2 hour of the 2 hour show. Or better yet, stop by the Redmond Borders or the Lynnwood Barnes and Noble and observe in person. And if you have an elementary school aged child, bring them by. It’s an educational, safe, and totally fun experience. So congratulations, Oliver! I’m so proud of the newest (and cutest, IMHO) RwR team member! gretchen Oliver, his mommy (me!), and a reading buddy