In a touching initiative at the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center in California, children are volunteering to read to shelter animals, creating a mutually beneficial environment for both the kids and the pets. This program allows dogs and cats to listen to gentle, non-threatening voices while providing children with the opportunity to interact with animals in a playful setting. A true win-win situation.
Animals residing in shelters often experience stress and anxiety, even during short stays. By inviting kids to read books or complete homework near the animals after school, the pets can relax and acclimate to human interactions. “If they do get adopted, they won’t be aggressive towards their owners,” shared 12-year-old Max, a volunteer at the shelter.
According to Lily Carter, the executive director of SPARC, the initiative helps dogs adapt to the presence of children, preparing them for permanent homes. “These animals miss out on a typical family life,” Carter explained. “When they see kids, it’s beneficial because the children don’t intimidate them or create a threatening atmosphere.”
The program also provides unexpected benefits for the children involved. Reading to the calm, furry friends creates a stress-free environment for practicing their reading skills. The National Institutes of Health reports that one in five children struggles with reading, and reading aloud is essential for developing foundational literacy skills. Nonprofit organization Reading Rockets emphasizes that this practice fosters expressive reading.
Children often feel anxious waiting for their turn to read in front of classmates. However, reading to animals alleviates this pressure, allowing for greater confidence. “When they read to the animals, those pets aren’t critiquing their performance,” Carter noted.
Importantly, the kids may not even realize they’re enhancing their reading abilities; they are simply excited to bond with the animals and offer support. Carter emphasized that this experience nurtures empathy for animals in children. “I just love being around the dogs,” stated 8-year-old Emma.
Launched in November, the program now allows children to participate bi-weekly. Curious to see how the kids and animals thrive in this heartwarming setup? Check out the engaging video below.
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In summary, this initiative not only helps shelter animals by providing them with a calming presence but also aids children in becoming more confident readers. The program exemplifies how simple acts of kindness can create a positive impact on both animals and humans alike.
Keyphrase: kids reading to shelter animals
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