Children Build Confidence As They Read to Dogs

By Samantha Sharma

OCOEE, Fla. — An Orlando-based volunteer organization, Be An Angel Therapy Dogs Ministry, had members visit the West Oaks Library on March 23 to give young children the opportunity to be a part of their "Paws to Read" program.

Joan Quimby, a senior volunteer with the organization, gave a brief presentation about the purpose of the Paws to Read program and their hope for young children. “Paws to Read is a program that helps to encourage children to read,” said Quimby. 

Children were then able to pick books and have the chance to read their books out loud to one of the dogs. “The purpose of this program is to help children be confident in reading and we saw that dogs could help in that aspect,” said Quimby.

Hailee Johnson, a first grader at Ocoee Elementary, sat with Jakayla a German Shepherd as she read to her Dr. Seuss’ "Green Eggs and Ham." “I like reading and I like dogs so it is fun,” said Hailee.

“Children have the chance to read out loud to dogs who are never critical of their reading,” said Quimby. “This helps to build confidence within a child."

“I believe that reading is so important and this is a great way to help children build their confidence and hopefully find a love for reading,” said Sophia Johnson, mother of 6-year-old Hailee.

To find out more information about the organization visit www.beanangeltherapydogs.org