Lees-Ukufunda-Read
The READ programme is a part of Pets as Therapy South Africa (PAT) and affiliated with Intermountain Reading Education Assistance Dogs ® (R.E.A.D. ®).
About
The Lees-Ukufunda-Read programme improves children’s reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method, reading to an animal. But not just any animal. R.E.A.D. companions are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner/handlers as a team, going to schools, libraries and many other settings as reading companions for children.
The primary aim of the programme is to improve the reading abilities and comprehension of young learners, to improve their confidence and communication skills and to instill a love of books and reading. It is a non-threatening programme that can be used in any setting, school or library.
When a R.E.A.D. dog is listening, the environment is transformed, a child’s dread is replaced by eager anticipation, and learning occurs. The handler is a skilled facilitator, shifting performance pressure off the child and providing support, while the child gets the supervised reading practice necessary to build vocabulary, increase understanding of the material, and gain fluency and confidence as a reader.
Our Mission
The mission of the Lees-Ukufunda-Read programme is to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of registered therapy teams as literacy mentors.
But why dogs/cats?
Learning to read is often less about intellectual limitation than about overcoming fears and being interested. Animals are ideal reading companions because they help increase relaxation and lower blood pressure:
- listen attentively
- do not judge, laugh or criticize
- allow children to proceed at their own pace
- are less intimidating than peers
- let the child become the tutor
What? Dogs can’t read!
Of course they can’t, but they can be great listeners. And their presence creates an inviting and motivating environment:
- relaxed
- comfortable
- safe
- nonjudgmental
- empowering
- FUN!
THE RESULTS ARE SIGNIFICANT Participating kids make enormous strides in reading and communication skills while along the way building self-esteem, confidence and social skills. And there are bonus benefits—performance in other subjects tends to improve, as does class participation, attendance and even personal hygiene.
To become part of the R.E.A.D. PROGRAM, you must actively participate as a PAT volunteer for 6 months. Afterward, you can register for the workshop. Upon completion, you will be registered with Intermountain Therapy Animals R.E.A.D in the USA as a R.E.A.D. Team.