Program goes to dogs to build readers' confidence

COLUMBUS - With a book opened up on her lap, Ashtuin Moural sat comfortably in a bean bag chair, snug away in the corner of the Columbus Public Library.

Just as comfortable was Riley, a black and white papillion, who rested his head on the book as the 7-year-old girl read to him.

Riley was with his owner, Mary Hostetter, for the R.E.A.D. program (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) at the library. The four-week program kicked off Wednesday.

R.E.A.D. is coordinated by Jeannie Warnke and Hostetter, who said the program is aimed at helping children improve their reading skills. Reading to a nonjudgmental audience like a dog, helps build confidence for children who might have troubles reading.

“Studies have shown that children who are beginning to read or are struggling to read, this is a relief to them,” Hostetter said.

There are 12 children signed up for the program, and each spend about 20 minutes reading to one of the three dogs in the program. Each of the dogs, who are owned by Hostetter, Warnke and Leslie Batten, are specially trained therapy dogs.

The handlers are present with their dogs while the child reads, and the handlers also encourage the child and helps with comprehension.

Children's librarian Brad Hruska said he sees many positives of the R.E.A.D. program, and that is why he wanted to include it at the library.

He said children can improve their oral reading, fluency and sight reading skills.

He also said the program can help give a confidence boost to children.

“A lot of times kids tense up when they read to Mom or Dad or in class. We've all been there. But when you read to a dog, they don't laugh at you or giggle when you make a mistake,” Hruska said.

There are no age limits for children to be in the program, but they have to be of reading age and have some struggles reading, Hruska said.

The program is held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the library. After the four-week program is over, Hruska said they might continue it periodically throughout the year.

Hostetter said there are also possibilities that the program might become available in some schools.

To sign up for the program, call Hruska at the library at 564-7116.