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Children Readng to Dogs - Cirra's Book Bags

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PyrPack:
Congratulation s on the program! It takes a lot of work to get something like that started.  Achilles and I went to his first Therapy Training class today.  Paws for Literacy at our county library is one of the programs in which I want to be involved.  Though we will probably do nursing homes as well.  People can't seem to keep their hands off of Pyrs.

Love the stuffed Cirras.  Can you connect me with your friend to get one?  Even better, can I get the pattern?

Scootergirl:
Love, Love, LOOOOVE This!! Can I steal your idea for Derby and the San Antonio area if I ever get the time to do something like this?

lins_saving_grace:
those bags are to die for!!!  Cirra must love all the attention!!!  Does she fall asleep?  Having someone read to me makes me dose off like a baby.
Grace wants to know if she needs help.  she loves little kids...althoug h she tends to knock them over trying to give them kisses.  she would just love a bag like that with her face popping out of the top.

seaherons:
Cirra and I have been visiting the school on Thursday mornings - weather permitting.  Four "reading groups" of two students read to her and then we visit the kindergarten.  It is best to have one child read to a dog at a time and I am hopeful we will get to that point.  We began the program in the fall and the school wanted as many children to participate as possible.  Cirra's Book Bags provide a way for many children to become more excited about reading.  The third graders are keeping journals about the books that they read to "Cirra".   She does not fall asleep.  Actually, she is more restless than the"perfect" reader dog however that is just Cirra.  The kids don't seem to mind and we are still learning.  There is a lot to keep track of in an elementary school for a Pyr!!!   Of all the things in the school including lunches Cirra is most fascinated by the musical instruments in their cases in the hall.  We brought Cirra's BPO Secret Santa reader dog mat and bandana for "show and tell" to the kindergarten class.  ("Show and tell" is now called "share" - learn something new everyday).  The kindergarten kids were quite impressed and interested in the whole Secret Santa idea.  Cirra made some Valentines for her kids - I will post a copy of one.

I got the stuffed Pyr puppies from - http://www.archerenterprises.net/servlet/the-GREAT-PYRENEES-DOG/Categories.  Cirra used LL Bean Bags - a Maine thing and Cirra has a large LL Bean bag that we bring to school and the library.  Hopefully, they will last awhile.  Lighter weight bags are available at craft stores.  Reading Education Assistance Dogs - http://www.therapyanimals.org/read/and Library Dogs - http://www.librarydogs.com/ have information about children reading to dogs programs. 

Cirra would like to make a Cirra Activity Book with word games however that is a grand plan.  Maybe some day?  Children from K through Grade 3 read at very different levels!!!  Any ideas about that would be appreciated. 

I am interested to know what other folks are doing with reading programs!!!! - Robyn and Cirra

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