EVHS News:ESPANOLA ― Help your kids take a “summer leap” into books. Research shows that when kids read more books over the summer, they perform better at school in the fall. That’s why the Espanola Valley Humane Society (EVHS) is pleased to announce its Smart Dog Summer Reading Program.
The program, open to all school-age children in the Espanola Valley, begins with you and your child attending one Smart Dog Orientation. These orientations are:
- 10 a.m., June 7, at Santa Clara Pueblo Library;
- 11 a.m., June 9, at Espanola Public Library; and
- 10 a.m., June 16, El Pueblo De Abiquiu Library.
Children can then check out books from their local library about animals or any topic you want to share with your furry reading buddy. After your child has signed-up, your child (accompanied by a supervisory adult) may RSVP to come to the shelter during scheduled reading days and times.
“Kids who read to the dogs 6 times receive a Smart Dog Certificate and prize,” EVHS Educational Outreach Coordinator Nicole Joswiak said. “By sitting down next to a dog and reading to the dog, all threats of being judged are put aside. The child relaxes, can give affection to the attentive dog, and focuses on the reading. Reading improves because the child is practicing the skill of reading, building self-esteem, and associating reading with something pleasant and fun.”
For more information about the Smart Dog Summer Reading Program, contact Nicole at nicole@evalleyshelter.org or 505.470.1278.
