Book Buddies
Our Book Buddies program gives children the chance to read their favorite books while cozying up to cats and small pets, waiting for new homes. We invite children to our main campus in Fairport to practice their reading skills in a positive, non-judgmental environment. Our pets are great listeners!
Book Buddies also benefit the pets themselves: Our feline residents find the rhythmic sound of reading to be comforting and soothing, and more time spent with people means that they’ll become better socialized as they wait for adoption.
Registration is required. Spaces are limited and adult supervision is required.
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.
Ages: All ages are invited to participate!
Registration Fee: $5
Want to bring a sibling or friend? Just add one reading buddy in the registration for an extra $3!
Tufts University has studied the benefits for children and pets and the effects of reading programs involving animals and found positive results. The good feelings associated with animals help children relax and enjoy the experience. Some of the findings included:
- Pets often demonstrate a supportive atmosphere that encourages the reader.
- Children on the Autism Spectrum demonstrated an increased use of language and improved social interactions when paired with an animal.
- Children showed “sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school”.
- Animals can be a “non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them”.
Questions?
Contact the Humane Education Manager at (585) 223-1330 x173 or by email. at education@lollypop.org.
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