The Saint Francis Reading Program is designed to help young students improve their reading
skills through interaction with Saint Francis Reading Dogs.
Students in local area elementary schools are able to read to Delta-certified dogs in a non-threatening, non-judgmental and nurturing environment that allows them to improve their reading skills.
Research has shown that students who read to dogs demonstrate improved reading skills, decreased absenteeism, improved social skills, motivation and self-confidence.
Through partnership with a reading dog, students that are struggling with their reading skills can improve dramatically, and develop a love and appreciation for reading that will serve them well their entire lives.
Students in local area elementary schools are able to read to Delta-certified dogs in a non-threatening, non-judgmental and nurturing environment that allows them to improve their reading skills.
Research has shown that students who read to dogs demonstrate improved reading skills, decreased absenteeism, improved social skills, motivation and self-confidence.
Through partnership with a reading dog, students that are struggling with their reading skills can improve dramatically, and develop a love and appreciation for reading that will serve them well their entire lives.
Saint Francis thanks Purina for their support
If you are interested in establishing the Saint Francis Reading Dog Program in your
school in the Roanoke and New River Valley area, contact Niki Voudren at
nvoudren@saintfrancisdogs.org for more information.
If you think that you and your dog would enjoy volunteering in the Saint Francis Reading
Program, please visit our Volunteering page for more information.
For questions or additional information about Saint Francis Service Dogs contact us at
info@saintfrancisdogs.org or call 540.342.DOGS (3647).
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Reading Program
"The Reading Program is one of which our school is very proud. There is a
genuine bond with the students, dogs, and the handlers. Many of our students
have made 1-2 years progress in reading and they are more confident. More
importantly, they enjoy reading!"
-Reading Specialist Barb Pennington