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All Ears Reading™
Reading with animals is a great way for children to improve their reading skills. To celebrate the unique bond children and pets share, Target®, Nestle Purina PetCare Company and ARF have partnered to create All Ears Reading™.The philosophy behind the All Ears Reading™ experience is that reading with animals improves reading skills, self-esteem, and empathy. All Ears Reading™ encourages reading by creating a supportive environment for children which fosters an eagerness to read. Pets are the perfect reading partner because they are attentive, non-judgmental and comforting. Creating a special time to read together will help build the bond between children and their pets while growing personal confidence and skill. At home, at school, at the library – sharing story time with an attentive animal brings out a love of books and cultivates the self-confidence it takes to read aloud.
In Fall 2007, "Banjo Gets a B-A-T-H” was published as the first book kit in the All Ears Reading series. Target, ARF and Purina are currently at work on the second reading kit. All Ears Reading™ books are sold exclusively at Target®.
This season also marks a new first for ARF. In partnership with University of California - Davis and Purina, ARF is taking the All Ears Reading™ program to new heights, establishing what the organization already knows inherently - pets help youth build confidence in reading. ARF is conducting a research study to assess the impacts of The All Ears Reading™ experience on reading skills, self-esteem, and empathy of elementary-aged youth from diverse backgrounds in low-performing schools.
Working with Martin Smith, Youth Curriculum Specialist and Dr. Richard Timmins, Manager, Program for Veterinary Family Practice at UC Davis, Molly, Lolly and Digory, three of ARF's Pet Hug Pack dogs, are reading with third grade children from Tremont Elementary School in Dixon, California. While data is gathered, the kids are having great fun with their new furry friends. “This research will help children find new ways to improve their reading while doing what is natural — loving their pets.” said Elena Bicker, ARF's executive director. ARF, UC Davis and Purina are proud to take the lead in bringing conclusive research to the industry of “pets helping people”.
