Pittsburgh is fortunate to have a new program to help readers ages 4-12, and the program has nothing to do with a school classroom. The program, called ANIMAL TALES, is the brainchild of The Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, which has three locations. Director of Community Programs, Sandra Smith, gave an interview with Jon Delano of KDKA television about this remarkable program. Students must take an orientation class before the actual reading date occurs. During the orientation, which costs $10 to cover an orientation packet, kids are taught things like how to interpret the body language of a dog, cat, or bunny. They learn to recognize what behaviors will lead to the most receptive listeners.
The ANIMAL TALES program benefits both the reader and the animals. Students who are reluctant to read in a classroom for fear of making a mistake are not fearful of sharing their voices with animal friends, who are so forgiving. Thus, the student reader gains confidence in his own voice and reading ability. The dogs, cats, and bunnies have stress from being in the shelter, and the socialization with the kids releases that stress. The safe interaction of reading is a great distraction for the animals, and some even feel comfortable enough to nap while listening! The socialization is good for both animals and their human friends, making this program a win-win.
I taught high school English for 37 years, and during those years, I had many readers who struggled with word recognition and the pain and embarrassment of attempting to read aloud in front of peers. I see ANIMAL TALES as a great confidence builder and as a positive reinforcement for reading, which is the single most important skill a person can have Congratulations to Humane Animal Rescue for this community initiative. I hope that others who read this post will create a similar initiative in their hometowns.
To see the interview and learn more about this terrific program, please follow this link
https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/video/6202646-sunday-business-page-animal-tales/?amp
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
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