Therapy dogs help with reading lessons

[bigdoglover]

Times Union

SCHENECTADY -- Four students at Van Corlaer Elementary School recently spent time with a certified therapy dog to help with emotional and reading problems.

Research has shown that the non-threatening and nonjudgmental time with therapy dogs leads to increased reading scores and improved self-confidence. And Van Corlaer students who have had two therapy dog sessions are already showing improvement.

In a recent session, a golden retriever named Sasha sat on the classroom floor with two elementary school students. One student read and, as he held the book with one hand, he petted his furry friend with the other. He looked up only to see if Sasha was really paying attention. Sasha was not only paying attention but also looked as if she enjoyed the story and the company.

Sasha and her handler will visit the four students at Van Corlaer about six times a month. The purpose varies from student to student but, in general, the dog provides emotional support and unconditional love.

According to Jennifer Paley, a Van Corlaer second-grade teacher who owns a therapy dog, the purpose is different for different students. "Therapy dogs help children get over their fears in a very short time," she said.

Paley said that while the students have met with the dog only twice, even the handler has noticed a difference. "The children were more relaxed, leaning into the dog and petting her and they were more confident," said Paley. "I noticed the kids smiling immediately when they saw the dog."

Paley said that the kids working with the dog are reserved children. She was happy to see one student go over and pat the dog on the head and say with a huge smile, " 'Bye Sasha, see you next time."

According to Paley, the program works "because therapy dogs don't judge struggling readers. A therapy dog won't stop you and tell you you're doing it wrong."

She added, "therapy dogs build confidence in youngsters because the dog just looks at the child lovingly while he's reading the best story in the world."

Therapy dogs are also used in nursing homes, hospitals and in stressful situations such as after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Michelle Van DerLinden, Van Corlaer principal, said, "It's great to see these students excited to read and learn."

Because studies have indicated that reading to therapy dogs helps improve reading scores, Van DerLinden said tests will be conducted before and after the program to attempt to gauge its success.

Paley got the idea to bring therapy dogs into school when she brought Ella, her Newfoundland dog, into class one day.

"The kids were so excited and great with her," she said. "One of the kids who was very hesitant around Ella -- and is one of the four students involved in the program now -- came by my room expressing concern that she was home alone."

Paley said she was moved enough to get in touch with a chapter of Therapy Dogs International to see if they would be able to work with Van Corlaer.