Reading help in Atpakisic-Tripp School District 102 is going to the dogs, with a brand-new program that utilizes treatment dogs and, in the meantime, district staff to help promote literacy.
The Buffalo Grove-based primary school district is beginning a program called Homegrown Reading Dogs, where a group of staff go through the procedure of accrediting and training their dogs to offer in the school neighborhood for reading activities.
“Students read aloud to the teams in a risk-free setting. Reading dog teams help readers grow and bring joy to all,” according to info on homegrownreadingdogs.com
Training started in January with 15 team member from SD102 and their four-legged fur infants, and individuals partnered for 8 weeks with a regional tester/observer from Alliance of Therapy Dogs. ATD is a nationwide not-for-profit organization that supplies “testing, certification, registration, support, and insurance for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal-assisted activities,” according to the organization’s website.
The training happened at Earl Pritchett Elementary School, and, in the meantime, makes use of SD102 staff. Money to help launch the program originated from a Schools and Community Outreach by Educators grant through the Illinois Educational Association, said SD102 instructor Melissa Fasuna. The grant assists get the dogs trained and licensed.
Fasuna, a 2nd grade instructor at Pritchett, began Homegrown Reading Dogs and informed Pioneer Press that her motivation for the program originated from her love of dogs. Throughout her whole mentor profession, she’s had a dog-themed class, and for the previous 2 years, qualified reading dogs have actually read with her 2nd grade trainees two times a month.
“It’s been great for the students and rewarding,” she said. “When they read with the kids, the kids build confidence, reading scores improve and the dogs are there to provide comfort.”
Fasuna said K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore, a comparable not-for-profit program that utilizes dogs to help promote literacy in a number of north rural neighborhoods, likewise motivated her to progress with Homegrown Reading Dogs.
“I would love for the dogs to be at PTO events, community events, and after school programs,” said Fasuna. “A long-term goal is to get it up and running in other districts.”
Aptikisic-Tripp School District 102 enrolls about 2,500 students in grades pre-K to 8 across four schools.
Fasuna is one of the 15 staff members participating in the training and certification process with her basset hound, Mollie. Concerns about using dogs as reading aids are addressed on the program’s website, consisting of a description that for kids a bit frightened of dogs, this program could, paradoxically, be perfect.
“Dogs lower stress levels, increase feelings of self-worth, improve mood, promote happiness and a sense of calm. In school settings, students can slowly participate at their comfort level, watch from a distance or [use video technology] with the dog in the room. These strategies have proven to be very successful,” according to the Homegrown Reading Dogs website.
Also dealt with is pet allergic reactions, with authorities explaining that for this program, kids don’t need to touch the dogs while checking out to them — to name a few preventative measures.
Phil Webb, a regional ATD organization tester/observer, is carrying out the training and accreditation procedure with the SD102 program.
“Alliance of Therapy Dogs provides insurance and testing to make sure dogs are safe to be around folks. Other therapy groups also have their own protocols,” Webb said.
He explained that, despite age or breed, ATD tries to find well-behaved dogs that get along to be around. Webb likewise owns Phil’s Pup Camp, a dog training school situated in close-by Arlington Heights, which he says is why he can help train the pooches of Homegrown Reading Dogs.
“My class involves two classes which are taught in a school room-type environment. The first class involves obedience skills because ATD requires dogs to like people, be OK around people, and also to not be reactive; get used to people and other dogs. The second class is the rules, regulations and protocols for being a good ATD member,” Webb said.
Weeks into the training procedure, team member bonded with their dogs more and they continue to prepare them for what is anticipated to be the favorable effect they will have on the SD102 neighborhood, authorities said.
Webb said he thinks qualified reading dog programs are a self-rewarding procedure for the dogs, individuals and the treatment receivers.
Francesca Ogilvie, a Students Explore and Expand Knowledge instructor at Pritchett, is likewise taking part in the unique literacy program with her Jack Russell Terrier mix, Max.
“I’d seen the therapy reading dogs present at Pritchett School and how the students have responded. They are comfortable reading to the dogs and their reading has improved. It’s so rewarding for me and Max, but also knowing the impact it will have on the students,” said Ogilvie.
She said she likes that the dogs of Homegrown Reading are from her neighborhood and will serve the neighborhood and trainees.
District leaders said they wish to totally launch the Homegrown Reading Dogs programs after spring break in the coming weeks or in the fall throughout the next scholastic year.
Kaitlin Mikrut is a freelancer.
