Meet Chance, a gentle golden retriever who plays an integral role with the students at Grace Montessori. Once a month, Chance is brought in by his owner, Lori, for an interactive reading activity. While receiving some much-appreciated pets, Chance listens intently as students take turns reading to him.
The R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs®) program is the first-ever program to use therapy animals to help kids improve their reading and communication skills, encouraging a love of language and literature. Registered therapy animals volunteer with their owner as a team to serve as reading companions for children. Either in pairs or small groups, one child reads while the other pets the service animal, then they switch.
Beyond learning new words and practicing reading aloud, children gain tremendous benefits from an hour-long session with Chance.
- A Boost of Confidence
Children who hesitate to read aloud feel calmer with Chance’s comforting presence.
Reading with Chance also reduces performance anxiety and makes reading joyful and relational. Students are given the space to practice reading without corrections or pressure, and kids genuinely want to read when Chance is listening.
- Improved Social-Emotional Learning
Chance provides comfort to children with special needs or emotional challenges. If a child is having a difficult day, they may start by just petting Chance before feeling ready to read.
“One day, this student said she was sad and wasn’t interested in reading,” Lori said. “After sitting with Chance and petting him while another child read, she decided she was ready to read her book after all. So I do think it helps children who are having a bad day, too.”
The R.E.A.D. program also gives children a sense of responsibility and empathy, as they’re encouraged to care for the reading environment and interact gently with the service animal.
- Building Community
Students aren’t the only ones who get to experience the joy of Chance’s presence; even teachers stop by for “Chance time” on hard days. Whether it’s sitting next to him or getting a few pets in, this shared activity connects Grace Montessori together through a compassionate bond.
When Chance and Lori come for their monthly visit to Grace Montessori, children run to the list, eagerly waiting to sign up. It’s a sought-after occasion, with some students having been practicing their books all week just so they can read to Chance.
“That’s his job as a therapy dog,” Lori said. “He gives them comfort but also helps with their reading skills because they want to be able to read a story to Chance.”
Learn more about Grace Montessori’s other enriching experiences that support every child’s growth by visiting gracemontessori.org/programs/.
