Reading has gone to the dogs at McQuistion
BUTLER TWP — A pack of visitors trotted into McQuistion Elementary School on all fours Friday afternoon.
As part of a monthly tradition this school year, the Butler Dog Training Association brought several certified therapy dogs to the school for a reading session with first-graders. The association gave a quick presentation on dog safety to the children, then split them off into small groups with each dog.
The students took turns reading to the dogs. It may seem silly, but educators find the exercise can help shy students get over their fear of reading aloud in a group, aiding their skills.
That, and as principal Carrie Morgan-Davis said, the dogs' visit is a bit of a reward for the students to celebrate good behavior.
“They're therapy dogs, so it's also a good opportunity to have a good experience with animals and learn some safety,” Morgan-Davis said.
Nancy Keller, one of the dog trainers, began the presentation by teaching the students how to approach a dog they would like to pet.
“May I please pet your dog?” sang the chorus of first-grade voices.
The association holds similar programs at the Butler Area Public Library.
“We've had parents say this is the only way they can get their kids to read aloud,” Keller said.
The dogs were a hit.
First-grader Madelyn Kuntz gave a brief review of the event at its close.
“It was great,” Madelyn began. “Actually, fantastic.”
She said her favorite new piece of information was learning how to stand with her arms tucked in if a stray dog ever approaches her.
“You have to stand like a tree,” she explained.
Sitting in front of the 107-pound English Mastiff, student Abby Lovaglio finished her reading, looked at the dog and gave her opinion.
“He's cute,” she exclaimed.
