For kids, learning to read isn’t always easy. To cut down on the intimidation the Carroll Library has enlisted the help of a furry friend, Ivan the Reading Dog. Ivan, a real-life Siberian Husky, is a certified therapy dog who works with PAWS in Motion. During the library’s special story time program children are encouraged to read to the dog, and each other, one at a time. Ivan’s handler, Mark Skillen, says as kids practice reading out-loud they are calmed by the Ivan’s presence, but their interactions go much deeper.
Each child is asked to read a few paragraphs, or a short chapter, from a book of their choice. While reading to the group kids build skills in expression and learn how to stay on task. Skillen adds children also form a bond of trust with each other while Ivan provides nonjudgmental support.
Skillen, who has worked with therapy dogs for 16 years, says encouraging a child to read not only builds their self-confidence, but also provides them with lifelong reading skills.
Skillen and Ivan have been working with the Carroll Public Library since last fall; providing their presence for special story time sessions. Their next program will be this Wednesday, February 24, at 7:00 pm in the city hall lobby.
