Mendham Township School Helps Readers "Bloom"

Being able to read is a vital tool for accessing the necessary knowledge to study multiple subjects. For some students learning to read may be a straightforward undertaking that is accomplished via the traditional curriculum and instructional process. For other students, there may be factors that interfere with the acquisition of this important skill set. At Mendham Township Elementary School teachers can use different strategies to engage students early in the process to create a positive experience while learning to read. One of the supporting options at the school is to have therapy dogs visit the school so that students can practice reading to the animals!

The therapy dogs visit the students typically on a monthly basis. The gentle nature of these animals creates a low-key, but fun environment for the students. A student who may be experiencing apprehension when they think about reading will become calm and focused when they are around the dogs. Rob Koroski, Director for Special Services, explains that a child who is reticent to read will suddenly open up when they are given the chance to read to one of the dogs. The transformation can be amazing. “It is like watching a child bloom,” said Mr. Koroski. “Reading to the dogs helps those readers who are a little more anxious or reluctant to read to relax and enjoy the process of reading.” So instead of feeling anxious about reading, students can now look forward to a reading lesson along with the therapy dogs. As students experience success in early literacy endeavors it increases their confidence and their interest in continuing to build their reading skills.

Earlier this week, Luna from Creature Comfort Pet Therapy in Morris Plains visited Mendham Township Elementary School. “Dogs like Luna provide support in several areas,” explained Ms. Ashley Bays, a 3rd Grade teacher at the school. “Lesson plans using the dogs can include Reading, Spelling, and Writing. For example, students will be able to sit and read with a dog allowing the dog to provide comfort, confidence, and relief of any stress. In Writing, the students can write narratives from the point of view of the dog.”

Creating the positive association between reading and the therapy dogs begins very early. Children attending Tiny Tigers (2-year old program) and the PreK classes are introduced to the animal visits in the school library. These young children enjoy meeting the animals and can ask questions about the dogs. As the children move into different grades they already have some familiarity with being with therapy animals as they read to them. Students in the elementary program may meet with the dogs as part of the school curriculum, as recommended by their teachers.