Reading to dogs at Oshkosh Public Library improves literacy skills

Jan. 29, 2013 – Man’s best friend can be a child’s best bet for learning to read better with the Oshkosh Public Library’s Read to a Dog program.

Read to a Dog pairs children with trained reading/therapy dogs to improve literacy skills. Sessions are available by appointment at 236-5208. Registration is required. The program is open to children of all ages. The current session runs through April 15.

According to Sandy Joseph, Oshkosh Public Library children’s librarian, reading to a dog is a fun and effective way for children who struggle with reading to build both skills and confidence.

“Children who are nervous and self-conscious about reading aloud often feel very comfortable reading to a dog,” she explains. “It boosts the child’s confidence, they forget about their limitations, and their reading skills improve.”

The dogs in the program are trained through the Reading Education Assistance Dogs program, a division of Intermountain Therapy Animals.

Read to a Dog is held in 20-minute blocks from 4 to 5:40 p.m. on Monday nights in the library’s lower level meeting room. Register at the Children’s Desk or call 236-5208.

Don’t miss these other programs for children at the Oshkosh Public Library:

Winter Wonderland Storytime: Stories, songs and activities for children of all ages on Mondays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sessions run through Feb. 25. No registration necessary. 

Pajama-Rama Storytime: A family storytime for all ages at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Cozy Book Corner. Stuffed animals, pajamas, and blankets are welcome (but not required). Sessions available through Feb. 26. No registration necessary.

Dr. Seuss's Birthday Open House & Film Festival: Drop by Sat., March 2, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., for Dr. Seuss books and films, birthday cake, prizes, birthday card signing and a fun craft.

Find more information about library programs for children and families at www.oshkoshpubliclibrary.org.