It’s no surprise (at least to me) that dogs have been found to improve the immune system and reduce blood pressure, among other health benefits. But it turns out dogs are not only good for our health; finding missing people; and helping disabled people live independent lives – they’re good for kids’ report cards, too!
“Dogs not only help children learn to read, they help children learn to love reading,” says Michael Amiri, coauthor with his wife, Linda, of a new children’s book, Shellie, the Magical Dog (Retails for $14.95). “And that’s true of for children with and without learning disabilities.”
Shellie – Even Magical Dogs Need Naps!
A Minnesota pilot project called PAWSitive Readers (we totally need this in Philly – does anyone know if one exists?) finds that trained therapy dogs helped 10 of 14 grade-school participants improve their reading skills by an entire grade level. Additionally, a University of California study showed that children who read to the family dog improved their ability by an average of 12%.
According to Amiri, dogs help kids learn to love reading in a couple of different ways:
• No embarrassment: “Most of us have memories of reading out loud in class,” he says. “Though we may have been proficient readers, the fear of stumbling on a word in front of everyone was a constant source of anxiety.” Dogs are excellent for unconditional, nonjudgmental love; they won’t laugh if and when mistakes happen.
• Confidence boosters: “I never had a dog while growing up, which is too bad because I think I would have had an easier time gaining self-confidence,” says Amiri. As an adult, he discovered the many benefits of dogs through he and his wife’s very special Maltese, Shellie. She’s often the center of attention in their community at pet-friendly restaurants, where she laps her water out of a martini glass. And she has a full-time job as the greeter at Linda’s hair and nail salon. “If a little dog can give me, a grown man, more confidence, imagine what it can do for kids,” he says.
• Polite listeners: Like humans, dogs are social creatures and most enjoy the sound of a calm voice speaking to them. Many – except perhaps the most energetic breeds – seem to enjoy curling up on a rug and listening to a story being read aloud. They don’t interrupt (except for the occasional ear scratch or to sniff a body part) and they often show appreciation for the attention.
• A fun approach to schoolwork: Too often, when children think of studying, they think of time spent hunched over a desk struggling alone to work out problems and memorize lists. Interacting with a lovable, fuzzy friend for an hour of homework is an appealing alternative.
• Win-win: A canine-student reading program is a great way to help service dogs-in-training learn patience and discipline. Dogs are trained to help veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, the blind, and people who use wheelchairs, among others. These dogs in training help children, while children improve a dog’s service abilities.
The book, Shellie, the Magical Dog is about Shellie, a dog with a magical belly – it smells like strawberry jelly! It’s the first book in a series that will talk aimed to help kids with life lessons. When little Kelly needs help, Shellie helps him with her magic.
Interested in buying the book? Just go to https://secure.mybookorders.com/Orderpage/782
