Dogs, patient listeners, can help kids learn to read

Students at Indian Hills Elementary in Topeka, Kansas, will soon get help improving their reading skills from Sophie and Jules. Sophie is a golden retriever. Jules is a miniature schnauzer. Both are therapy dogs in the Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.) Program. The purpose of R.E.A.D. is to improve the reading skills of children using certified therapy teams as literacy mentors. In the program, dogs sit with children while the children read aloud. The dogs provide a calming, nurturing presence and serve as patient listeners to children who may be struggling to reach their reading potential. Read more at The Topeka Capital-Journal online.