Reading aid in Atpakisic-Tripp School District 102 is going to the dogs, with a new program that uses therapy canines and, for now, district staff to help promote literacy.
The Buffalo Grove-based elementary school district is starting a program called Homegrown Reading Dogs, where a team of staff undergo the process of certifying and training their dogs to volunteer in the school community for reading activities.
“Students read aloud to the teams in a risk-free setting. Reading dog teams help readers grow and bring joy to all,” according to information on homegrownreadingdogs.com
Training began in January with 15 staff members from SD102 and their four-legged fur babies, and participants partnered for eight weeks with a local tester/observer from Alliance of Therapy Dogs. ATD is a national nonprofit organization that provides “testing, certification, registration, support, and insurance for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal-assisted activities,” according to the organization’s website.
The training took place at Earl Pritchett Elementary School, and, for now, utilizes SD102 staff. Money to help launch the program came from a Schools and Community Outreach by Educators grant through the Illinois Educational Association, said SD102 teacher Melissa Fasuna. The grant helps get the dogs trained and certified.
Fasuna, a second grade teacher at Pritchett, started Homegrown Reading Dogs and told Pioneer Press that her inspiration for the program came from her adoration of dogs. Throughout her entire teaching career, she’s had a dog-themed classroom, and for the past two years, certified reading dogs have been reading with her second grade students twice a month.
“It’s been great for the students and rewarding,” she said. “When they read with the kids, the kids build confidence, reading scores improve and the dogs are there to provide comfort.”
Fasuna said K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore, a similar nonprofit program that uses canines to help promote literacy in several north suburban communities, also inspired her to move forward with Homegrown Reading Dogs.
“I would love for the dogs to be at PTO events, community events, and after school programs,” said Fasuna. “A long-term goal is to get it up and running in other districts.”
Aptikisic-Tripp School District 102 enrolls about 2,500 students in grades pre-K to 8 across four schools.
Fasuna is one of the 15 staff members participating in the training and certification process with her basset hound, Mollie. Concerns about using dogs as reading aids are addressed on the program’s website, including an explanation that for kids a bit scared of dogs, this program could, ironically, be ideal.
“Dogs lower stress levels, increase feelings of self-worth, improve mood, promote happiness and a sense of calm. In school settings, students can slowly participate at their comfort level, watch from a distance or [use video technology] with the dog in the room. These strategies have proven to be very successful,” according to the Homegrown Reading Dogs website.
Also addressed is pet allergies, with officials explaining that for this program, children don’t have to touch the dogs while reading to them — among other precautions.
Phil Webb, a local ATD organization tester/observer, is conducting the training and certification process with the SD102 program.
“Alliance of Therapy Dogs provides insurance and testing to make sure dogs are safe to be around folks. Other therapy groups also have their own protocols,” Webb said.
He explained that, regardless of age or breed, ATD looks for well-behaved dogs that are friendly to be around. Webb also owns Phil’s Pup Camp, a dog training camp located in nearby Arlington Heights, which he says is why he can help train the pooches of Homegrown Reading Dogs.
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“My class involves two classes which are taught in a school room-type environment. The first class involves obedience skills because ATD requires dogs to like people, be OK around people, and also to not be reactive; get used to people and other dogs. The second class is the rules, regulations and protocols for being a good ATD member,” Webb said.
Weeks into the training process, staff members bonded with their dogs more and they continue to prepare them for what is expected to be the positive impact they will have on the SD102 community, officials said.
Webb said he believes certified reading dog programs are a self-rewarding process for the dogs, the people and the therapy recipients.
Francesca Ogilvie, a Students Explore and Expand Knowledge teacher at Pritchett, is also participating in the special literacy program with her Jack Russell Terrier mix, Max.
“I’d seen the therapy reading dogs present at Pritchett School and how the students have responded. They are comfortable reading to the dogs and their reading has improved. It’s so rewarding for me and Max, but also knowing the impact it will have on the students,” said Ogilvie.
She said she likes that the dogs of Homegrown Reading are from her community and will serve the community and students.
District leaders said they hope to fully launch the Homegrown Reading Dogs programs after spring break in the coming weeks or in the fall during the next academic year.
Kaitlin Mikrut is a freelancer.