One of the volunteers for a reading program at Olds Elementary School thinks it benefits both students and the canines that help out.
Cynthia McLaren, who along with her dog Sally volunteer in Carrie Krause's Grade 4 class, said the idea of students reading to dogs is good for both. McLaren, who has a daughter that goes to the school, heard about the program via a newsletter the school sends out.
“I like to introduce Sally to as much as I can because I think it really helps the dog to learn things. I thought I would try and see if she would calm down and do it. And I brought her in and she did really good,” McLaren said of her one and one-half year old bullmastiff/St. Bernard.
While McLaren said Sally was a well-behaved dog to begin with, she has become even more relaxed as she's gotten familiar with the students. McLaren said she tries to introduce Sally to as many people and situations as she can.
McLaren said the students have responded well to the program, both in terms of their reading and in their interaction with Sally.
“They're all looking at the list to see who's next and they all … really like it. And Sally loves kids,” she said.
McLaren said she has also noticed an improvement in behaviour of students once they realize that they are scheduled to read next.
“The kids settle right down when they know they're going to read. They come in and they sit down, they get a book that they like, and pet Sally usually … and just start reading away,” she said.
