Therapy dog helps with literacy skills
Every Friday morning a very special friend comes to Leman Middle School in West Chicago Elementary School District 33 to listen to stories being read by students with special education needs in Ms. Rivera's classroom. This friend, Churchill, is a very lovable, gentle dog that has been specially trained as a therapy reading dog.
When approached by the dog's owner, Jeanine Schueman, with the opportunity to have Churchill read with her students, Ms. Rivera jumped at the chance and scheduled weekly visits. " When this opportunity was offered, I thought it would be something the kids would really enjoy. Reading aloud can be tricky for some of them, considering their disabilities, and reading to Churchill gives them an opportunity to feel comfortable reading aloud. Also, the kids feel like it is a reward for all their hard work when at the end of the week they get to take a break and read to Churchill," stated Ms. Rivera. Each of her students gets an opportunity to read quietly in a room with Churchill, while Mrs. Schueman gently guides the students through the book.
"Churchill and I became certified as a therapy reading dog team because I wanted to give back to the community, especially within District 33, "shared Mrs. Schueman, who is also a parent of a student in District 33. "It is my passion to help children become better readers, which in turn will help the children become better students, and in the future, more productive citizens."
According to Mrs. Schueman, the main objective of the therapy reading dog program is to provide a relaxed and "dog friendly" atmosphere, which allows students to practice their reading skills. Children who have difficulties reading tend to be self-conscious when reading aloud in front of other classmates. By sitting down next to a dog and reading, all threats of being judged are put aside. The child relaxes, pats the attentive dog, and focuses on the reading.
Other facilitators at Leman Middle School have also had their students read, as well as practice other literacy skills, with Churchill.
"Having Churchill visit our reading intervention class was by far one of the most memorable experiences of the year. The students' academic performance grew immensely while having a furry companion strolling around the classroom. Emotionally, the room had such a calm, relaxed, and joyful feeling. We cannot say thank you enough to Jeanine for allowing us this amazing opportunity. It was a true blessing!" shared Marielle Ostling, facilitator at Leman Middle School.
Additionally, Ms. Ostling could see the students were more comfortable opening up and sharing their thoughts on what they were learning when they could speak directly to Churchill and pet him. "It was fun having Churchill in our classroom because we read a story, he listened, and we wrote on a Post-It note [what we learned]. Churchill saw us write on the paper and we could pet him. We are glad Churchill came to visit us," shared student Adamaris Rodriguez.