Reading is a crucial part of childhood development and according to the National Education Association, reading doesn’t just impact verbal and written skills, but mathematics as well.
With these statistics in mind, Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club members are currently engaged in a fun-filled program where children practice reading to their best fur friends.
K-9 Angels is a reading program with Canine Assistants service dogs and volunteers geared to help Club members practice reading skills and become more confident in their ability to read.
“Our Club members really look forward to the dogs coming into our Club,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared. “Most of our youth seem to naturally love animals - especially dogs. Imagine the joy and excitement this gives to the members as they read to the dogs. They’re less focused on feeling uncomfortable reading in front of their peers and more engaged in reading their stories to their new-found fur friends.”
Club member, Kayden D., shares she loves reading books to her favorite dog Memphis.
“Memphis loves any book I read to him and it’s a lot of fun to reading to the dogs,” she shared.
Richbow says that since the K-9 Angels program arrived to Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, Club members have exceeded their growth in NWEA MAP reading. Currently, 80 percent of members participate in this program.
To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/petenanceor call 706-920-1400.