The RED ROVER READERS program improves children’s reading, confidence, and communication skills by employing a powerful method: reading to a dog in a safe and supportive environment.
RED ROVER Pups are registered therapy dogs who volunteer with their handlers as a Reading Buddy Team. Together they are trained to be reading companions for children. They also share keys to healthy canine/human interactions.
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How RED ROVER READERS Works
STUDENTS & SESSIONS: The program is designed for students in the 1st through 3rd Grade. Sessions are scheduled weekly for 20-30 minutes per student and run for one semester. During that time the student will meet with the Reading Buddy Team, and read to the dog. The handler is with them at all times, asking questions and helping guide the student but the student is reading to the dog, not the handler.
SERVICE AGREEMENTS: The RRR Program is FREE. Elementary schools meet with the RRR Team and establishes a service agreement. The agreement will dictate how many students (maximum of four per day), times/days (maximum 90 minutes per day), record keeping, space, and other student/school needs. The school designates the contact person to set schedules and select students. This may be a reading specialist or teacher. Students are partnered for their 1:1 Sessions for one semester. Parent/Guardian agreements must be signed for students to participate.
LIMITATIONS: This is not a group reading program or a time for the dog to do tricks or perform for a classroom. Other options for the RRR Team to visit a classroom for a special occasion can be set up. Teachers and students are asked not to interrupt the team during the session. The RRR Program is not to take the place of other reading programs, rather to be an added support tool. Any photo's are to be agreed upon by the school, parent, and RRR. They will require a signed release.
SET UP & SUPPLIES: The RRR Team will come and set up their space before the sessions begin, the school will be asked to provide a quiet space to meet. We provide all our supplies including a large reading mat, books, coloring sheets and bookmarks for each session. Teachers can select books and send them with the student if they wish. The child will receive a Certificate upon completion.
DOGS: Dogs are groomed and prepared before their sessions with anti-allergy treatments. They will be on-lead the entire time they are on-site. Dogs will have a tag indicating their therapy dog status. We do not use vests, to ensure the kids have unhampered access to petting the dog during the session. As registered therapy dogs, all vaccinations are current and available for copy. Dogs and handlers have gone through training, formal examination and have had hands-on practice. The handler will remove the dog if there is any sign of stress with the dog or student. The handler is prepared to clean any unexpected accidents (dogs are fully housetrained). The RRR Team are insured through their therapy dog registration with ATD.
CLICK HERE to meet Carolina, our RRR Buddy Pup.
"I love when a wet nose and soft ears derail my restless heart. Imagine what they do for the silent wanderings of a child's soul."
Catherine Johnson - Founder of Red Rover Readers
