The district has partnered with the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program, which pairs trained therapy dogs with students to help reduce anxiety.
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ga. — For some Baldwin County students, reading out loud is no longer a source of stress — thanks to two trained therapy dogs now making weekly visits to Midway Hills Primary School.
Midway Hills media specialist Jennifer Williamson said the calm, judgment-free presence of the dogs helps relieve the pressure that often comes with reading out loud in front of others.
“Our youngest readers often have anxiety around reading out loud,” Williamson said. “It can be intimidating for them and a little bit scary to read in class in front of other peers.”
The district has partnered with the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program, which pairs trained therapy dogs with young students to help reduce anxiety and build confidence while reading. The two dogs, Skye and Laddie, are now honorary members of the school staff.
“The dogs are good listeners,” Susan Wucher said.
Wucher and her husband Jay, both retired educators, volunteer with the R.E.A.D. program and bring the dogs to the school for 90-minute sessions twice per week. Two students at a time participate, with each pair rotating in for 15-minute reading sessions.
“This just gives them the confidence to read aloud because nobody’s judging them or making fun of them,” Wucher said.
Since the program began in April, students have responded enthusiastically.
“When I go pick them up from their classes, they get so excited when they see me come to the door,” Williamson said. “Because they’re like, ‘Is it my time for the dogs? Is it my time for the dogs?’ And they pretty much skip down the hall super excited about it.”
The school hopes to expand the program in the upcoming school year.
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