Duo's Paws for Reading program trains volunteers and their own dogs to be part of classroom and library settings throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. They provide incentive for children to practice reading through accepting and nonjudgmental listeners: dogs. The children read from Duo-supplied books that they can keep for their personal libraries.
And with a dog's encouragement and calming presence, young readers improve their focus, word recognition, and reading comprehension without feeling anxious.
"Our classroom so enjoyed reading to Marley, which helped the students earn books for our library. Thank you so much for this program!" - Carl Bowlin, teacher at Millstadt Primary Center
"Both of my children have been touched by the Paws for Reading program. My oldest practices reading out loud at Thornhill library with Libby, then shares books with her younger sibling who is on the autism specturm. It brought tears to my eyes when my youngest hugged Libby and listened to the stories. I've never seen my child respond to anyone or anything like the Paws for Reading dog." - Parent participant
Please contact Duo if you're interested in having the Paws for Reading program at your school or library.
