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Dogs on staff at Alpharetta Elementary
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| | | Student Matthew Peuster and “Scooter” demonstrate how the K-9 reading program works as volunteers Jeanne Beaner, left, and Mary Bahrke and Scooter’s owner, Susan Hallam,look on. | |
January 07, 2009
ALPHARETTA - Tails are wagging at the success of K-9 Kids, a program where students read to dogs ... yes, dogs.
It is all part of the motivational reading program in which a permanently assigned Canine Assistants service dog and trained volunteers visit Alpharetta Elementary two days per week during the school year to listen to children read.
Children who are uncomfortable reading in front of their peers for fear that they might make a mistake are quite at ease reading in front of a dog. Dogs are both supportive and nurturing and give children the confidence to overcome challenges in reading.
In addition to overall academic achievement, motivation, self-esteem and confidence in reading skyrocket with the help of dogs. Scooter was donated to Alpharetta Elementary School by Canine Assistants as an official "Dog on Staff" in November 2007.
Numerous educational presentations have been presented to all grade levels educating both students and staff about disabilities and the role that service dogs play in society.
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