"Paws to Read" Gets Kids Ready for School - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

Reading is arguably one of the most important lessons learned in school, but literacy can be a challenge for students who find the classroom intimidating. A Minnesota reading program is offering a unique audience to give kids confidence when they open a book.

In a library you'd expect to find kids with books in hand. Young readers, ready to lose themselves in the written world. 

"I like reading at school and I usually read big books. Local dog enters obedience school," says 10-year-old Jacob Zuniga. He's at the library reading to a unique audience. A golden retriever named Lucy, a listener offering quiet encouragement.

Lucy is part of Paws to Read program. It is a program with a simple concept: pair therapy dogs with kids learning how to read.

"The animal is just going to listen. No one is going to say, 'You said that word wrong,' or 'That isn't right.'"

A judgment-free space that instantly puts youngsters at ease.  It gives confidence to 6-year-old Deidrick Taylor, who is still learning the basics.

While 11-year-old Jasmine is grateful for a reading companion. "My friends usually just walk away when I start to read, Jasmine says." Age or ability has no meaning to these animals. Everyone gets undivided attention.

"They can just read and go at their own pace. And they're just very comfortable, relaxed."

Dogs turning a page in how kids learn to read. The animals come from a volunteer organization. The next Paws to Read event will be held in October.