The PAWS for Reading program at West Deptford Free Public Library has become extremely popular in just its first two weeks.
Reading went to the dogs in West Deptford. The PAWS for Reading Program held its kickoff party on Wednesday night at West Deptford Free Public Library. About 50 children registered to read to a dog. PAWS for Reading is a program run by PAWS for People, a nonprofit group that uses animals such as dogs, cats and rabbits to perform a range of various therapeutic activities for children and adults. PAWS' reading program travels to different libraries, where children can come read to a pet. The goal is to help give the children more confidence in their reading abilities. Dogs are able to do that because of their caring nature. Sharon Bednar, the New Jersey coordinator for PAWS for People, said 30 children came out for the first night of the …
Listeners of the furry kind, provided by the nonprofit PAWS for People, offer a nonjudgemental ear for young readers at the West Deptford Free Public Library.
It may sound bizarre, the thought of animals encouraging children to read. Yet the PAWS for Reading Program knows furry friends make good listeners for some timid readers. Coming to West Deptford Free Public Library, the PAWS for Reading Program will set up about six teams throughout the library—each team consisting of one animal and one handler. During this time, children can sit with a team and read aloud to the animal. “It seems like such a great way for kids to feel free and easy about it,” says Diane Maher, head children’s librarian. Unlike reading in a classroom in front of peers and a teacher, Maher explains that reading to an animal dispels many anxieties new readers may have. With an animal, the child doesn’t have to fear them …
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West Deptford Free Public Library
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Sharon Bednar
11:07 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
Mike, Thank you so much for covering the PAWS for Reading Kickoff Party at the WD Library. It was truly an AMAZING event. I hope that you also enjoyed yourself!!! I know the kids loved it. Sharon Bednar NJ Coordinator-PAWS for People more ›