It was called Purr-Fect Reading Companions. The Animal Rescue League of Berks County, Pennsylvania has a program called "Book Buddies".
The program pairs children that are having a problem reading with cats that are awaiting adoption. Once or twice a week several children go to the animal rescue and read to the cats. The program provides a place for the children to relax in an atmosphere where they are not judged on their reading skills. The cats don't care how well they do; they just like the contact with the children. And the program helps to soothe and socialize the cats. Sometimes getting the cats to pay attention is a problem, but the kids don't seem to mind.
It was noted that the students reading skills and the desire to read has greatly improved since starting the program.
The small boy pictured is Colby. He recently received an award for "most improved student" in his second grade class.
Stories like this always makes me feel good. Sometimes we forget how children struggle with everyday lessons. It's nice to know that there are people listening and providing programs to help them.
This is very interesting!
ReplyDeleteI thought so to Jody. Do you think our cats would like for us to read to them?
ReplyDeleteI read an article about this online and loved how simply this activity defines our connections, human and otherwise. So sweet.
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