Dogs 'tutor' students in reading


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PARK CITY — Third-graders at Parley's Park Elementary no longer get stressed out when they're called to read aloud with their tutors.

In fact, they're more relaxed and self-confident than ever because their tutors aren't going to notice a mistake. Their tutors are dogs.

"There's no judgement; Dixie doesn't snicker; Dixie doesn't correct," said Jan Nemcik, Dixie's owner. "She simply sits here and listens."

Parley's Park is one of many schools and libraries where Intermountain Therapy Animals R.E.A.D. Dogs volunteer to read with children.

"I've read to her a lot, and I really think she likes people reading to her, and I like her, " said student Cooper McDonald.

"It's fun, and I love dogs, and I don't have one, and I don't get to spend a lot of time with dogs," added student Abby Francis.

But now every Tuesday, she sits on the couch, holds a paw and reads out loud without reservations.

"It's therapy for them," said teacher Randee Kadziel. "They just love the comfort of Dixie, who has moved right in on the couch."

Watch the video to see this cute partnership that educators say has made a noticeable difference in students' reading abilities.

For more information on getting your children reading or to see if your dogs would be a candidate for tutoring log on to the program's website.

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Deanie Wimmer

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