Reading...

this summer Robert has been taking time out on Monday nights to meet at the library to read. He reads to a dog named, Paige. She is a champion springer spaniel show dog and also a "Pet Partner" therapy dog. Paige, along with her owner, are involved with the R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) program. I heard about it at our public library. Tim and Robert went to a open house at the beginning of summer, and Robert was real excited about the opportunity. He is so proud and anticipates this time with Paige.
Robert has some struggles with his reading and is many times reluctant to read with us. However, he LOVES to read to Paige!! This has been such a wonderful thing for him and it's building his confidence/self esteem. For Robert, reading to Paige is much less stressful than reading to adults. Paige just sits, listens and makes no judgements or corrections to his reading out loud. Tonight he read some little books and then one that was a little more difficult, so I stayed close by to help out with some of the words. All and all I see progress. Not only is Robert improving and practicing his reading, he has a wonderful bond/friendship with Paige! Sigh. Makes me so happy.