How to Make Reading Fun for Kids … and your Pets!
Activity 1: Meet amazing kids helping their local animal shelter through books!
“I was watching shy kids laugh and play with the animals and come out of their shell. And I was seeing dogs who were super anxious when I met them at the beginning of the day finally relax and lay down and just listen to the voice on the other side of the cage.”
Across the country, animal shelters like the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center offer unique volunteering opportunities for kids. Many shelter animals experience stress and loneliness due to their lack of a family environment. To help, some shelters have started reading programs that allow children to read to the animals, providing socialization for the pets and an educational experience for the kids.
Kids enjoy practicing their reading skills in a non-judgmental environment, as animals don’t criticize them. Meanwhile, the animals feel calmer and less threatened when children read to them. The benefits of this program are clear, as highlighted by the reporter in the video above. Be sure to check if there’s a similar program in your neighborhood or city!
Activity 2: Have your child read to your dog (real or a stuffie)!
Reading to dogs (or any pet for that matter!) is a proven way of improving kids literacy especially in the early years.
There are studies indicating that pets (especially dogs!) enjoy being read to just as much as kids enjoy doing it. This is because dogs are by nature social beings who enjoy our company and spending time with their pack. This can include enjoying long walks together, curling up next to the family during movie night, or just listening from the comfort of their favorite corner.
Whether your child is a dog lover (or a little nervous around dogs) or you're thinking of adding a new dog to the family or simply want some new ideas on what to read, there are so many books about dogs to choose from! From timeless classics to new favorites, children's books with dogs explore many different themes, teaching about empathy, kindness, friendship and acceptance.
Activity 2: Have your child read to your dog (real or a stuffie)!
Reading to dogs (or any pet for that matter!) is a proven way of improving kids literacy especially in the early years.
There are studies indicating that pets (especially dogs!) enjoy being read to just as much as kids enjoy doing it. This is because dogs are by nature social beings who enjoy our company and spending time with their pack. This can include enjoying long walks together, curling up next to the family during movie night, or just listening from the comfort of their favorite corner.
Whether your child is a dog lover (or a little nervous around dogs) or you're thinking of adding a new dog to the family or simply want some new ideas on what to read, there are so many books about dogs to choose from! From timeless classics to new favorites, children's books with dogs explore many different themes, teaching about empathy, kindness, friendship and acceptance.
Activity 3: Fun Dog-Themed Activities to Check Out!!
-
11 Fun Dog Crafts For Kids
From @Kol’s Notes are dog crafts for kids to keep them busy during a wet fall, long cold winter or the summer break!.
-
Because of Winn-Dixie Activity Booklet
Check out this free Activity Booklet from Reading Quests for this award-wining classic by Kate DiCamillo!
-
Pet Grooming Salon Pretend Play
From @Sunny Day Family is a great pretend play activity for the younger set that teaches responsibility & empathy!
Activity 4: Learn how to draw a dog!
A simple guide to draw the cutest puppy.
The next level up on how to sketch a dog!
More Fun Dog-themed Activities to Keep your Kids Busy!
Our posts contain affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase after clicking on a link/photo, I’ll earn some coffee money (at no extra cost to you!) which I promise to drink while producing more content like this!
