Photo: Louis reading to Dina
When we got to the library last week a sweet little lady with an ugly Christmas sweater invited my son to come and read a book to a dog. I'm serious. She led us to a table full of entry-level reading books and said "pick one out and go read to Dina, she's right over there waiting. And don't worry, dogs don't care if you make mistakes when you read out loud." My son picked a book and read it to Dina the dog.
We learned that this is part of the training for therapy dogs and that some of them were being sent to visit victims of the Sandy Hook shooting in Connecticut. It was extremely touching and cute to participate in the program for my son and I. We took photos, hugged the lady in the ugly sweater and gave Dina extra pets on the head.
Below is information about the program and if it's a slow night at the library, you
Tail Waggin' Tutors at Evanston Public Library
Tuesdays, Children's Services, Main Library
Session 1: 1/22 - 2/12, 6:30-7:00pm or 7:00-7:30pm
Session 2: 2/26 - 3/19, 6:30-7:00pm or 7:00-7:30pm
Practice your reading - read to a dog! The Tail Waggin’ Tutors program provides a relaxed and "dog-friendly" atmosphere in which kids can practice and improve their reading skills. Tail Waggin' Tutors are wonderful listeners and provide a great opportunity for kids to build confidence reading as well as learn how to interact with these wonderful therapy dogs. Kids read to their dogs for 20 minutes and then have 10 minutes of cuddle time.
Sign up for one 4-week session from 6:30-7:00pm or 7:00-7:30pm; space is limited to 6 participants per 30 minute period. For kids in grades K-5. Please note: We request that families with multiple children share a dog and a slot. Registration is required and begins on January 2. To register, please call 847-448-8610.
Participation limited to Evanston residents/children in District 65 schools.
Thank you for reading my blog Evanston Newbie, a blog devoted to covering my family's move from El Paso, TX, to Evanston, IL, in 2011. We arrived in June 2011 and several people have pointed out that I am no longer a "newbie" and should start some other blog. But I disagree and want to keep the "newbie" status for a while longer, maybe five years and for several reasons. #1 - there are many Evanston families who have lived here for generations since the town incorporated in the late 1800s, so in comparison to them, I am very much a "newbie". #2 - I firmly believe this blog is a good branding tool for the city of Evanston and it's the least I can do to thank our new town for being so AWESOME! If you have any questions or need to get in touch with my about this blog, Evanston, or anything else you can email me at thelisadshow@gmail.com. Thank you for reading and have an awesome 2013.
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