Book Buddies Reading Program
Young readers go through an initial training; after that they’re free to read during the shelter's open hours.
Do you have a young one in your household who is a fan of animals? What about a child who loves reading – or needs a little practice with reading? Tri-County Humane Society is proud to host Book Buddies, a program geared toward helping children and animals.
Book Buddies provides a non-judgmental audience for the young readers; after all, the dogs don’t care if a word is mispronounced or if the reading is done slowly. National studies done on similar programs have shown youngsters’ reading skills significantly improve thanks to practicing with animals.
But the readers aren’t the only ones who benefit. Their presence and soothing words help calm the animals, some of whom can be stressed by being at the shelter.
Questions? Contact:
Olivia Schomer
(320) 252-0896 Ext. 27
volunteer@tricountyhumanesociety.org
Book Buddies Guidelines
The program is intended for ages 5 to 15, but anyone is welcome as long as they follow protocol. (Youth are asked to follow shelter rules at all times as well as the guidelines outlined in the Book Buddies training.)
All participants must attend a brief training at the shelter before beginning the program. Adults must attend the brief training, too, and accompany readers at all times. Ater that, Book Buddies participants are welcome to bring in favorite books to read aloud to dogs or other animals in our shelter during open hours. (TCHS has kids' books, too, if the reader forgets theirs!)
