How does reading to an animal help raise a child’s self-esteem?
When a seven year-old boy (I'll call him "Sam") first met Reading Buddy Cami, he was unable to read his favorite book about sharks. Sam would sound out the first letter of a word and then give up. Frustrated, he'd put the book aside and tell Cami all about sharks in his own words.
As Sam's bond with Cami grew stronger, he would suggest places he thought she would enjoy visiting; among them, Shedd Aquarium. He thought she would like the dolphins. Clearly he thought of Cami as his friend. He was even concerned about her comfort. Once he covered her with his jacket because he thought she might be cold.
Gradually Sam’s reading skills began to improve and so did his self-confidence. He started to read the first sentence in each paragraph. Then he read entire paragraphs! Eventually Sam amazed Cami by reading a two-page story in Highlights Magazine. Even though he stumbled over a few unfamiliar words, he was determined to finish the story. Sam’s accomplishment was rewarded with a high-five from Cami and high praise from Cami's mom.
A photo of Cami with two of her young readers appears in the 2012 K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore calendar. Each month features a different Reading Buddy. Cami, whose birthday is March 20, is appropriately Miss March.
When the K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore was launched in June of 2007, Cami was one of five original reading dogs. Currently 18 human mentors and 26 dogs volunteer in the reading program. To purchase a calendar for $10.00 or make any size donation to help fund the program, visit K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore
PS: I tried reading some chapters of my novel-in-progress to Cami. She listened carefully and said, "Daisy (my protagonist) would never say that." Everyone's an art critic.
