Why reading to a dog can make a difference 

"Today, 10 million American schoolchildren are poor readers (Fletcher & Lyon, 1998).  As a nation we have failed to ensure that all children are good readers by the time they leave the primary grades...Even with changing fashions in curriculum and instruction, and the overall push for education reform, the percentage of children who read well has not improved substantially for more than 25 years."  U.S Department of Education.

The success of the R.E.A.D.ing with Erma experience is focusing on the enjoyment of a book and reading aloud.  This is not another remedial program.  The children might be chosen for the program due to underperformance in different areas of the classroom but their inclusion is validating, empowering and satisfying for the children.

 Children improve their reading skills in a unique and fun environment, free of performance pressure.  The program is extremely flexible and can be implemented in many settings. The children gain self-esteem as they begin to master the skills of reading.