Teachers have shared with us that classroom pets make wonderful reading partners…and studies prove it! Having a non-judging ear there to read to can help kids become more confident in their abilities. But since students are now home and unable read to their classroom pets, we are excited to share with you a new initiative from Pet Partners: We Are All Ears, A Worldwide Read with Pets Project.
The project, designed to bring the power of the human-animal bond to at-home learning, asks families to take a pledge to read at home to their own pets.
Resources are available to support families as they participate, including:
- A reading log, bookmark templates, and a special BINGO card to help to encourage regular reading.
- A Certificate of Completion for the child and pet upon reaching their goals.
- A Fact Sheet outlining the benefits of reading to pets, along with some helpful tips.
As Annie Peters, President and CEO of Pet Partners, stated, “Reading to pets is an amazing way to get children excited about reading when they can’t be in school. Children who are learning to read are often hesitant about their reading abilities. Many kids feel more at ease reading to pets, who are simply there to listen – not to judge how well they are reading.”
Please consider sharing this initiative with your students, coworkers, family, and friends!
