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READing with Erma is designed to help children increase their self-confidence while reading aloud.  Studies have shown that reading to a soft, cuddly, nonjudgmental dog increases a child’s interest in reading as well as reading level.  The R.E.A.D. program stands for Reading Education Assistance Dog.  It was founded by the Intermountain Therapy Dog in Utah.  Handlers go through testing and continuing education with their registered therapy dog in order to provide a free service to children in the community.
  • READing with Erma is a special time for children.  They get to read aloud a book of their choice (or one determined by their teacher) in a quiet, calm environment without feeling the pressure of having to perform.  The session will last between 15 and 20 minutes.  During that time Erma will still be on a leash but will lay or sit together with the child on a special cushion (i.e. dog bed).  Erma’s handler will use prompts if necessary and help the child explain something Erma might not understand.  This is their time but we want to make sure it is productive and rewarding. Children will keep track of how many books they have read.  Once they read an agreed upon number they will be give a book to take home and keep to increase their private library.  ​