El READ project (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) is a very interesting initiative, created in United States, which has been developed in Spain since Dogs and Letters. El target it is so much therapeutic as well as promoting the reading habit of the smallest. This is how it is intended to improve their reading skills thanks to and with the company of dogs specially trained to read with them.

Success is based on creating the normally easy emotional connection between dog and child that reads for him. And the benefits are countless. Perhaps the most important is that the dog is the differentiating presence that takes the child out of his usual environment. Let's see what this is about.

Origins

El READ project was born in the United States in 1999. Was created by Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA), an organization dedicated to improve life of people through interaction with animals. Specifically, they developed this specific program to develop and improve reading skills with the help of dogs. trained.

Their work has led them to worldwide recognition and the reward also of various prizes. And of course the project has spread over the five continents, from Iceland to South Africa.

It is aimed at all the children, especially those who may have learning difficulties for congenital, emotional causes or from the family, school and social environment. But also to those who do not need no reinforcement and they just want to enjoy a different experience with reading and these dogs. Obviously the only requirement What is required is that have no allergy to the dogs.

Where READ teams move

READ teams work on schools, universities, libraries, day centers, houses of culture, foundations or bookstores. And in Spain there are teams in Albacete, Alicante, Galicia, Castellón, Las Palmas, Murcia, Madrid and Zaragoza.

In schools it is the teaching team the one who decides which objectives to work with each reading child. And those can be both social or emotional development, or learning. Besides, the reading is always is individually because each child has its own rhythm.

And for example, with the Faculty of Education of the Complutense University of Madrid, participate in a research project about the possible benefits for schoolchildren with these special educational needs.

Dogs

The participating dogs are from different races, from Labradors, German Shepherds to Yorkshires terriers. They are the ones who become the main reason both for learning and for fun. And they also mean a more conducive and comfortable environment for the child. Their owners, what are the professionals, are always present in reading sessions with the kids. They direct the activity and set the guidelines for the interactions between the dog and the child.

Services

Countless.

• In the child, the confidence building in itself. He is with a partner from whom he will not receive criticism or judgment if he is wrong. You will not have pressure or difficulties.

• Reading is more fun because the dog stimulates motivation, concentration and imagination of the child.

• The interaction, communication, sociability and interest for what he reads but also for the dogs.

• In the activities it is read aloud, something that increases both concentration and reading comprehension. At the same time it improves oral expression and increases vocabulary.

• Of course, it also helps overcome phobias or panic towards dogs.

• And they get reinforce the core values ​​of empathy and respect not only for the world of dogs, but for all animals.

In sum

A project as interesting as it is beneficial and undoubtedly fun. For children and for everyone, who could use a doggy reading session from time to time.