Posts Tagged ‘reading’

Be a Better Reader by Reading to the Dogs

Thursday, March 2nd, 2017

Coach Campbell is cleaning up after a rec center intramural game, Bobby is helping. Coach Campbell asks, “So, how is school going? Passing all your classes?”

Bobby answers, “Yeah, but I am almost failing English. I am having a hard time reading out loud. I get all nervous, and I am afraid the other kids will laugh at me. The out loud reading is a big part of the class grade. I want to get better, but I just get so nervous.”

Coach answers, “How about you practice reading out loud? Like part of your homework. Just something you do every day to get better, like practicing basketball made you a better player.”

Bobby asks, “But where do I practice? There are always people around me. Plus, I also don’t like being all alone.”

Coach Campbell answers, “What if there was a place where I could guarantee not a single person would be around to hear you reading aloud, or laugh at you, and, you wouldn’t be lonely? Would that work?” Bobby says, “Yeah, sure – but, where is that place?”

Coach Campbell says, “The local animal shelter. You can sit and read to the dogs all day long if you want. You can read the same sentence again and again if you need to, the dogs won’t mind. They will be happy for the company.”

Bobby answers, “Wow, that sounds cool. Yeah, let’s go THERE!”

Story by: Ned Campbell (voice of Coach Campbell, “Can Do” Street), teacher and wrestling coach in Brooklyn, NY

Parent Note: For more information about children reading to dogs, check out:

Children read aloud to dogs

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/children-read-aloud-to-dogs/2012/12/27/9cc2a34a-4c55-11e2-8758-b64a2997a921_story.html?utm_term=.99fd7bf7b55e

A growing number of libraries and some schools in the region are inviting volunteers to bring their dogs in to help children learn, hoping the pets will calm children who are struggling, excite those who are bored, and help kids equate reading with fun.

Children ‘Deck the Howls’ at shelter’s reading to dogs holiday event

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/children-deck-the-howls-shelter-reading-dogs-holiday-event/XU04wvCcDMTdw4AFw0J7pK/

This is open to children ages 5-11 who wanted to come to the shelter and read holiday stories to the adoptable dogs. According to the shelter’s YouTube page, the kids made toys, treats and pillows at the event, and helped tuck the dogs in for the night.

Pocket

Tags: animal shelter, bobby, Can Do Kids, Coach Campbell, dogs, Good Choices, life skills, reading, reading aloud, reading skills, reading to the dogs
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Where’s Maria?

Tuesday, September 27th, 2016

Maria’s chair was empty. Hmmm, thought Kathy where is Maria?

Kathy went back to reading the story that Miss Pat gave them as an assignment in class. A little while later, Kathy looked over again to see if Maria was back in her seat…no Maria. Now she was worried that maybe something had happened to Maria . Did Miss Pat know where she was? Did Miss Pat even know that Maria was not in class?

“That’s funny,” said Kathy. Miss Pat looked up and said, “Kathy, are you talking when you are supposed to be reading?” Kathy looked up and answered,”Sorry Miss Pat, I was talking to myself.” Miss Pat smiled and said, “Is it something you want to share?” Kathy shook her head no and said, “Can I come to your desk and ask you something in private?” Miss Pat shook her head yes and Kathy got up and went to Miss Pat’s desk.

In a low voice Kathy said, “I am worried about Maria. She hasn’t been in her seat since we got back from lunch. We ate lunch together and she didn’t say she was going anywhere after lunch. May I check the girls room to make sure she isn’t sick?” Miss Pat smiled at Kathy and said, “You are a good friend to worry about Maria like that, but there is no need to worry. Maria is just fine. She had to go somewhere.”

“Where did she go,” asked Kathy. “That is something you will have to ask Maria,” answered Miss Pat.

Later, as Maria and Kathy walked home from school together, Kathy asked Maria where she went after lunch. Maria got all red in the face and looked like she was about to cry. “What’s wrong?” asked Kathy. Maria started to cry and said,”If I tell you, do you promise not to tell anyone?”

Kathy nodded yes and Maria said, “I am having trouble with reading, so I go out of our class to another room for extra help with reading.”

Kathy said, “Wow, for a minute there you really had me scared. I thought something was really wrong, because you were crying and made me promise not to tell.”

Maria answered, “I don’t like needing extra help. I’m afraid the other kids will make fun of me.” Kathy nodded that she understood. Then she said, “Maria, you are good at lots of things, you don’t need to feel bad about needing help with reading. Everybody needs help sometime with something. Besides, no one is going to make fun of you.

Remember Maria, we’re “Can Do” Kids and “Can Do” Kids don’t make fun of anyone!”