"Reading
with the Angels" is a reading program that was the inspiration of a
retired Randall Elementary School teacher and Fur Angels founder Martha Hall. The
angels are the furry kind: Therapy dogs that listen to us read.
The
therapy dogs are the ideal audience, providing a positive, non-intimidating and
fun environment to a child who is just learning to read and struggling with new
words. The dogs don't tease or rush the child as they read a story aloud at
their own speed and proficiency.
Instead
of getting flustered or embarrassed, the children read aloud with focus and
confidence. Their fear is soon replaced by self-esteem and determination. The
reading program has been a motivator to encourage better reading skills and
self-confidence in children.
The
members of the "Fur Angels" who participate in this program must
first go through extra training and be qualified to help with reading. Members
are supervised at all times in the schools and libraries.
