R.E.A.D.®
R.E.A.D. began in 1999 in Salt Lake City, Utah, by Intermountain Therapy Animals, Inc. The mission of the R.E.A.D. program is to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of registered therapy teams as literacy mentors. The program aims to improve children's reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: reading to a non-judgmental, attentive dog. R.E.A.D. dogs are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner as a team, going to schools and libraries as reading companions for children.
Today, hundreds of registered R.E.A.D. teams work throughout the United States and Canada. OTD was lucky enough to have an interested member, Chantel Hutter (Moore), to bring the program to the Ottawa area in 2004. Currently, several teams visit area schools, but the program is getting ready to expand. Chantel and R.E.A.D.'s new coordinator, Karen Luker, are training seven potential new teams.
As these teams prepare to obtain their certification, OTD is firming up its eligibility and evaluation criteria. Interested candidates must have completed one year of other OTD work in the field with a successful record and reliable attendance. They are also assessed by an accredited evaluator using OTD's evaluation criteria, with additional requirements specific to the demands of a child intensive environment. Among the qualities sought in a potential R.E.A.D. dog are:
- Solid obedience skills;
- Calm, quiet, attentive and comfortable in low-key setting;
- Good response to name or other method of showing attentiveness;
- Neutral to presence of toys crayons, paper, books and lunch remnants in trash baskets;
- Cool around other animals; and
- Able to deal with close and unexpected encounters with large groups of rambunctious children. Tolerant of tugging, pulling and exuberant handling.
Handlers are also required to adhere to certain standards:
- Commit to the READ program and make time during the school year, estimated at weekly 1.5 - 2 hour sessions or frequent sessions at a public library;
- Enjoy children, and a willingness to get to know the children and understand their challenges; be compassionate and sensitive to the hesitant and reticent child; ongoing patience with the overactive child, tolerance with reading the same books, be flexible and have the ability to go with the flow;
- Love reading, is a competent reader, is willing to discover children's books and discern age-appropriate reading material or related activities and to seek help from teachers, school staff and librarians as needed;
- Pursue animal assisted therapy (AAT) objectives with structure and rigour and regularly report progress to OTD. Interacts with school staff, seeks information, asks for help where needed;
- Willing to teach his/her dog a few new commands, like the paw-stay and focused attention (i.e.: look); and
- Commit to a high standard of dog grooming, which is especially important in promoting health and hygienic practices to children, including using Nature's Miracle Dirt and Dander Solution that is required by R.E.A.D.
Handlers are also required to study Intermountain Therapy Animals' (ITA) manual, successfully complete a written test, and join ITA. Once a team is deemed eligible to participate in the program, OTD matches the handler to a suitable facility. Sites undergo an evaluation as with other OTD visits.
Benefits to the children are numerous. In addition to helping to improve their reading fluency and comprehension, there is a positive impact on the student's desire to read aloud and participate in reading activities. Reports of improved self-esteem are numerous. Children have also been known to take more interest and pride in their hygiene practices as a result of the dogs' strict adherence to grooming standards.
