Imagine students reading to canines


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  • | 4:00 a.m. March 24, 2011
Sophia Papadakos reads the book, “Walter the Farting Dog: Banned from the Beach,” to Daisy. PHOTO BY SHANNA FORTIER
Sophia Papadakos reads the book, “Walter the Farting Dog: Banned from the Beach,” to Daisy. PHOTO BY SHANNA FORTIER
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Two tail-wagging tutors visited first-grade students Wednesday, March 16, at Imagine School at Town Center.

Snowbirds Linda and Bill Brendlinger and their dogs, Daisy and Toby, are certified through Therapy Dogs International’s reading program.

The goal of the program is to provide a relaxed, friendly environment in which students can practice reading.

By sitting down next to the dogs and reading to them, the child relaxes and focuses on reading, according to the organization’s website, www.tdi-dog.org. In addition to building reading skills, the program aims to raise self esteem and associate reading with something fun and exciting.

“Children who may be shy reading in front of peers often willingly read to a friendly dog,” said Kristi Kendall, dean of instruction at Imagine.
 

 

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