Therapy Dogs United knows that dogs in school rule! Our Tutors with a Tail program visits students in the Erie City, Erie County and Regional Charter school districts. But we don't stop there - our therapy dog teams make regular visits to Blasco Memorial Library's Children's Library and every branch within the Erie County Library System. We also visit independent book stores throughout the tri-state region. Our mini "Tutors with a Tail" program is held at our Erie office ~ and we welcome you to stop in, grab a book and visit with a therapy dog! Please check out our Events calendar for dates and times.
"Tutors with a Tail" invites children of all ages and reading ability to read to one of our four-legged friends. Our program spells SUCCESS and our improved reading scores tell the story! In 2015, pilot study conducted with 3rd grade students at Erie Christian Academy in Erie, PA - reading levels increased 38 words per minute when reading to a certified therapy dog as compared to an average of 27 words per minute when the student read independently (or with a tutor).
Our independent studies prove that reading to a therapy dog can be less intimidating than reading to a human. Therapy dogs provide an instant sense of calm because our dogs have "non-judgmental ears" - meaning, a therapy dog doesn't care if a child mispronounces a word or is slow to read. Our"Tutors with a Tail" program is an alternative reading program for early readers, struggling readers (Title 1), children with dyslexia or students learning English as a second language. Educators and parents alike know that improved literacy equals improved self-esteem!
We are actively seeking financial aid and in kind new and used book donations to ensure our "Tutors with a Tail" program continues without interruption. Funding is necessary to purchase new and used books, custom therapy dog bookmarks, dog-specific therapy dog coloring pages, awards and certificates.
Please make your contribution today to ensure this critical reading program continues to thrive.
