<!-- (C)2005 Peg Duggan (pegduggan@hotmail.com -->
<!-- Original: November, 2001, Peg Duggan (pegduggan@hotmail.com) -->
<!-- Modified: April 4, 2003, Peg Duggan (pegduggan@hotmail.com) -->
<!-- Modified: February 18, 2005, Peg Duggan (pegduggan@hotmail.com) -->
<!-- Modified: April 11, 2008, Peg Duggan (pegduggan@hotmail.com) -->

<!-- Begin
dayName = new Array ("Sunday", "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday")
monName = new Array ("January", "February", "March", "April", "May", "June", "July", "August", "September", "October", "November", "December")
now = new Date

Jan = new Array
Jan[1] = " Start a small photo album of your dog reading with different children. It's fun to show it to new readers. "
Jan[2] = " Hold a treat in your hand, tell your dog ‘Leave It’ or ‘Don’t Touch,’ and praise him for not grabbing it. Then give him a different treat as a reward.  "
Jan[3] = " Put some rocks or coins in a pail, shake it, and encourage your dog to investigate what the noise was. This is one way to ensure your dog won’t be startled by unexpected sounds from a school fire drill bell or a weather alarm siren. "
Jan[4] = " Turn your dog over on his back and rub his tummy several times today. "
Jan[5] = " Every child who’s ever read to Sunny has signed his book. In his case, it’s ‘I’ll Teach My Dog 100 Words.’ I emphasize that it’s okay to write in it because it’s Sunny’s book, not a library book. Kids of all ages have wanted to add their names to his special book. Look for colorful marker pens that won’t bleed through the pages!  "
Jan[6] = " Get a clean toothbrush, and see if your dog will let you gently rub it against his teeth. Kids like hearing the dog had his teeth brushed before coming to school, just like they did. Be sure to use only water or a toothaste made for animals, such as C.E.T. Enzymatic Dentifrice. "
Jan[7] = " Allow the child to choose where he or she will sit when reading. Some children like to sit directly across from Sunny and some sit right next to him, showing him each page as they read. Some will stroke one of his paws, some throw an arm across his neck, and some lie down and use his back as a big pillow. "
Jan[8] = " R.E.A.D. teams working with autistic children have found, in many cases, the children tend to be calmer after their visit with the dog. "
Jan[9] = " If you are talking with children about their own dog or cat, encourage them to read to their own pets, or maybe even stuffed animals, at home. "
Jan[10] = " Although handlers always supervise dog and child interactions, it is helpful when teachers also emphasize safety issues in class before the dog comes in. "
Jan[11] = " There are countless ways we can benefit children by helping them interact with animals; however, remember the basic goal of R.E.A.D. is to help children learn to love reading and books and the reading environment as they practice their reading, comprehension, and communication skills. Don't worry if you don't have time for special projects or extra activities with your readers. "
Jan[12] = " The R.E.A.D. program is meant to be a one-on-one program for children who are having trouble reading. It can't work as well in a group situation. "
Jan[13] = " When just one child at a time reads to the dog. the handler is better able to help with reading problems as well as give complete support to the dog at all times. "
Jan[14] = " Some schools use special activities to expand upon the time children are interacting with the dogs. These have included writing dog mysteries, listing pet care supplies, collecting pictures from magazines, and drawing pictures of therapy dogs. "
Jan[15] = " Books about animals, especially dogs, are fun for the children to read. "
Jan[16] = " Expand your horizons! Mary takes her therapy dogs to college to educate the next generation of professionals about the role of therapy dogs in human well-being. "
Jan[17] = " After a child reads to your dog, ask, 'What did you like about the story?' "
Jan[18] = " A cute sticker idea is, 'Ask me what I read to Sunny.' With a photo of your dog, this is a different take on the 'I read to Sunny today at La Mesa Library' stickers. "
Jan[19] = " Educators and librarians who hesitate when asked to allow a R.E.A.D. team often will agree to a dog safety program. "
Jan[20] = " Let your therapy dog help with reading comprehension. Ask the child to explain the meaning of a word or the gist of the story to Rover. "
Jan[21] = " When families from Rayne Elementary Schoo were asked to evaluate a summer school program, 34 out of 35 parents indicated their child was more enthusiastic about summer school when the therapy dogs were there. "
Jan[22] = " Remember, training is never over. Practice wherever and whenever you can, even just 5 minutes a day. The more you work and play with your dog, the better he will understand you and you will understand him. Training is a great way to bond with your dog. "
Jan[23] = " Point out how the pictures on the page can often help figure out what a difficult word might be. "
Jan[24] = " When children reread, they recognize more words. If there is time, encourage the child to read for a second time a book they struggled with earlier. "
Jan[25] = " Books that repeat phrases, rhyme, or follow a pattern support fluency. "
Jan[26] = " Students who struggle with reading may benefit from hearing you read a phrase or a sentence. "
Jan[27] = " Ask the child, 'Did you have fun reading today?' "
Jan[28] = " It's okay if a child reads a book seems too easy. It's still very important practice and better for their confidence than a book that's too difficult. "
Jan[29] = " Volunteering with your dog helps kids discover the joy of reading! "
Jan[30] = " Children who have difficulty reading out loud in class, or in general just don't like to read, find reading to dogs is simple and fun. "
Jan[31] = " Positive interaction with a dog, the mere petting of a dog, lowers blood pressure. "

Feb = new Array
Feb[1] = " If a child really likes a particular story, ask 'Does this story remind you of anything?' "
Feb[2] = " A short list of dog-theme Valentine books can be offered to readers on the back of a bookmark. "
Feb[3] = " A child who reads out loud to a therapy dog gets individualized atention, helpful feedback, and recognition for effort. "
Feb[4] = " If a reader stumbles over a word, say 'I'm not sure Rover knows that word. Could you repeat it?' "
Feb[5] = " One 10-year-old reader said reading to a dog has improved her reading because she enjoys books more. "
Feb[6] = " With older readers, you might ask 'How would you change this story?' "
Feb[7] = " When a child seems less interested in reading than paying attention to the dog, spread the books out on the floor and let the dog choose (nose or paw) which story he wants to hear first. "
Feb[8] = " Petting a dog is relaxing, so the kids aren't nervous about reading. "
Feb[9] = " Volunteers plant the seeds of kindness. "
Feb[10] = " After reading to a therapy dog, one girl enjoyed reading much more. She even began reading in English to her Spanish-speaking parents. "
Feb[11] = " My dog is more alert if the child pets and talks to him. He likes the interaction and attention, so sometimes I suggest petting him with each turn of the page. "
Feb[12] = " Experts have found that when kids have trouble paying attention, they can focus more easily when they read their lessons to a dog. "
Feb[13] = " If a child says they don't read well, tell them your dog doesn't read at all but she's a great listener. "
Feb[14] = " If you  think a child doesn't know the meaning of a word, ask your dog if she knows what it means. Usually, the dog responds with a blank look on its face. Then you can say to the chid, 'Then two out of three of us here don't know that word.' The child is not alone. "
Feb[15] = " If a child is slightly afraid of dogs, try discussing how to approach a strange dog, how to act around dogs and not to scream or pull their fur. "
Feb[16] = " When learning to read is fun, children want to learn. "
Feb[17] = " Judy says that if a child gets stuck on a word, she--that is, Bella, says to skip it and keep reading. If the context of the story provides a clue, they go back and fill in the word. She says they are really pleased with themselves, because Bella knows what a great job they did. "
Feb[18] = " When Miss Bear falls asleep, Sandy moves her around so she is close to the child. She then tells the child Miss Bear must really be comfortable around him/her to be so relaxed. She also tells the child Miss Bella can still listen while she is 'relaxing.' "
Feb[19] = " Taking turns with elementary school kids can help relieve stress if the child hs been concentraing really hard. By suggesting, 'Bobby, I haven't gotten to read at all today. How about if we take turns and I read every other page?' it casts the reading itself in the light of a treat that you are asking to participate in, rather than a chore. "
Feb[20] = " When readers use very little inflection, ask them to reread as if they were talking or acting. "
Feb[21] = " Practice in reading out loud is a major factor in improving reading fluency. "
Feb[22] = " Strategies young readers can use for unfamiliar words include ... Does it look right? Does it sound right? Does it make sense? "
Feb[23] = " Large cushions or beanbag chairs make the floor more comfortable for children to sit. "
Feb[24] = " Humor works wonders with reluctant children. Let kids know you understand how it is when 'the rules' don't work. Share with them words you have had trouble with sometimes. "
Feb[25] = "  Because it continues to stretch children's comprehension and vocabulary and reading ability, Jane Kostelc, a child-development specialist, recommends reading to children through elementary, middle, and high school, ‘until they won’t let you read to them anymore.’ "
Feb[26] = " Rotating to a new group of students about every 10 weeks gives more students a chance to read to your dog. Maybe by the end of the year all the kids in the class will have been able to do it."
Feb[27] = " Lori's Malamute, Connie, wants her reading partner to rub her belly every time a page is turned. If Connie's belly isn't rubbed, she puts her paw on the page,looks at her student, and starts 'talking' to him. Lori says it's realy pretty funny to see her in action. "
Feb[28] = " Be flexible, as often classes and schedules need to be changed on short notice. You may even get to the school only to find out the classes are away on a field trip. It happens. "
Feb[29] = " If your reading visit will be much more than an hour, allow for a 15-minute break halfway through. Your dog might not look stressed, but he may be. A short walk or a drink of water is a good for both of you. "

Mar = new Array
Mar[1] = " If part of an older student’s curriculum requires writing a persuasive essay, suggest he or she write one on the benefits of a therapy animal. "
Mar[2] = " If a child needs help decoding a word, try the 'phonics paw.' Say the sound in the word and touch one of your dog's nails for each sound. "
Mar[3] = " One great thing about R.E.A.D. is that the kids who get to read are the ones who are never the class stars, so this becomes a time when they are special, they get to do something neat and unique.  "
Mar[4] = " Joy plays a game with a child who is stuck on a word and wants to get it. They sound out the word very s----l----o----w---l---y and have the child repeat it at that rate. Then they say it fastfastfast. Finally, they try it at a normal rate. Later, she'll tell the teacher what a great job the child did with that difficult word, and she encourages the child to tell the teacher what the word was. They usually remember it. "
Mar[5] = " If Anne's dog falls asleep and it bothers the child, she'll say 'Oh, you read him a bedtime story and it worked! He felt so cozy he went right to sleep. "
Mar[6] = " If no-shows becodme a problem at the library, offer stickers to place on their calendar to remind them of their next visit. "
Mar[7] = " At the library in Nevada City, California, where Helen and her dog, George, visit, the librarian makes a 'fort' out of chairs in the far corner of the room where she and George and the child who is reading can sit. The child has privacy, and it avoids prompting by parents. "
Mar[8] = " At the library where Kari and her dog, Hattie, read, there is a way for ‘special visitors’ to sign up to read. One month the mayor came to read, and there have been teachers, firemen, etc., in other months. The kids are excited that someone ‘important’ is coming to read to their dog, just like them! Kari says it’s been a really big motivator. "
Mar[9] = " Pat says she and her dog, Lucy, work with children who have autism. The calm dog can calm the child. The dog helps these children focus, as well. "
Mar[10] = " Praise the child for trying so hard to read. Reassure that it's all right to make mistakes. "
Mar[11] = " Ask the reader questions like, 'What would you have done if you were ...?' 'Does this book remind you of anything that has happened to you?' 'Can you guess what's going to happen next?' "
Mar[12] = " Encourage students to visit a library. Let them know it's free to join and that they can borrow books to read about their hobbies and interests. "
Mar[13] = " If a child seems uninterested in reading, talk about the reading you do at work and at home.  "
Mar[14] = " Because a dog's sense of smell is 100,000 times better than a human's, we can say dog's read by sniffing. We might smell a good pot of stew cooking, but our dogs would smell the individual ingredients such as meat and potatoes and carrots and onions and celery. "
Mar[15] = " One great thing about R.E.A.D. is that it gives children a chance to practice in an environment so much richer than rules-only. We can discuss context and comprehension and all those exceptions to the rules! "
Mar[16] = " If a reader has a book that's too difficult, Sandy sometimes says, 'Miss Bear would really like to hear a different book, if you don't mind.' She says the child seems happy to pick something else. If she has an easy book with her, she'll say that it's Miss Bear's favorite and she really, really, pretty please would like to hear it. "
Mar[17] = " The AKC recognizes 7 purebred Irish breeds: the Glen of Imaal Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier, the Irish Setter, the Irish Terrier, the Irish Water Spaniel, the Irish Wolfhound, and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. "
Mar[18] = " Linda and her Sussex Spaniel are a R.E.A.D. team in Wyoming. The elementary school they visit each week is very crowded, so they visit a different classroom every time they are there. "
Mar[19] = " Be a good example by letting children know that reading is an important part of your life. "
Mar[20] = " Help children spot words they know inside larger words. "
Mar[21] = " It's springtime, but if your dog comes in from walking in the rain or playing in the snow smelling like a 'wet dog,' dry his fur and then try wiping him gently a few times with a used fabric softener sheet. "
Mar[22] = " Let children read to the end of a line before correcting their mistakes. It doesn't matter if you have to tell them the word sometimes. "
Mar[23] = " For students having difficulty reading or who are self-conscious about reaing aloud, the opportunity to read to a dog makes everyting better. The kids relax; it's just reading for pleasure. But often those students then begin to take reading seriously in an effort to impress the dog. "
Mar[24] = " Most youngsters pretty much ignore punctuation. Janice, a 1st gread etacher and READ team, uses 'stop and go' reading. The first reader reads until the first puncutation mark and then you read, and so on. This draws attention to the punctuation and can be fun because sometimes you'll read only one word and sometimes a longer sentence. "
Mar[25] = " According to Reading Rockets, learning to read is a challenge for almost 40% of kids. "
Mar[26] = " If the reader sounds choppy when reading aloud, that's okay. Rereading may help smooth it out. "
Mar[27] = " Give the child time to make a guess before you tell them the word. "
Mar[28] = " A key component of why it's so much fun to read with dogs--they don't ever make anyone feel afraid when trying to read. "
Mar[29] = " When Maggie brings her goldendoodle, Lucy, to school, students sit with her on a red reading bed. As Lucy shifts position from time to time, Maggie reassures the reader, 'She's just checking to see if there are any dog pictures in there.' "
Mar[30] = " Educators and librarians who hesitate when asked to allow a R.E.A.D. team often will agree to a dog safety program. "
Mar[31] = " Saying 'No' means nothing, other than you are upset. Give your dog alternatives. Teach your border collie that he can look away, your Lab that he can leave the ball on the floor, your terrier that he can sit quietly...as these ideas will never ever occur to them. (from Sarah Wilson, author of My Smart Puppy) "

Apr = new Array
Apr[1] = " If a book is really too hard, spend time talking about the pictures.  "
Apr[2] = " Encourage a child to read all the way to the end of a sentence. This offers the suport of context clues in figuring out an unfamiliar word. "
Apr[3] = " Back up and reread. If a child hesitates over several words in a sentence, comprehension can be lost. Rereading it smoothly gives a feel for fluency. "
Apr[4] = " Researach shows that children master reading faster and increase their reading scores when they are able to read aloud to nonjudgmental listeners. A dog can be a young reader's best friend. "
Apr[5] = " It's all right if the reader has books that seem too easy. The child is building confidence as well as reading skills. "
Apr[6] = " There might be lots of chocolate around at this time of year, either at places you visit or in your own home. This is a good time to reinforce the 'leave it' command with your dog. Ideally, your dog will stop what she's doing and look to you for direction. Be sure to reward her with a different treat. "
Apr[7] = " Be a good role model. If you have time between children at school or the library, read. The children will see you reading when they come in for their time with you and your dog. "
Apr[8] = " When you are testing a dog or puppy's temperament for possible therapy work, it's a good idea to visit and test the pups you are interested in more than once. "
Apr[9] = " Consider having your dog microchipped and/or enrolling him in the AKC Lost and Found Recovery Database. For $15, the AKC will provide a unique registration number printed on a collar tag and lifetime enrollment in their 24/7 recovery service for the life of your pet. "
Apr[10] = " Ask the reader, 'Can you tell Rover what you liked about the story?' "
Apr[11] = " When bathing a dog, dilute the dog shampoo with water in an empty squeeze bottle. The shampoo lasts longer and goes through the coat easier. Then work from the shoulders back toward the tail, leaving the head area for the last as it is this area that makes the dog want to shake. "
Apr[12] = " Whenever your dog goes to the bathroom, say 'Go' or 'Better Go Now,' or words of your own choosing. Soon he'll go when you tell him to, which is very useful before you have to leave the dog alone in the house, when you bring him in for the night, and of course when you are taking him to visit and want to be sure he won’t have to relieve himself when you get there. It’s like many of us were taught, ‘Go to the bathroom before you leave home.' "
Apr[13] = " Because I have a hearing loss and difficulty hearing the youngsters read, especially those who barely speak above a whisper, I sometimes say, ‘Can you speak a little louder so Sunny can hear you better?’ "
Apr[14] = " Even children too young to read can tell Sunny the story by describing the pictures as they turn the pages. "
Apr[15] = " To help with reading comprehension, ask questions like, ‘What do you think Sunny might learn from this book?’ "
Apr[16] = " Encourage youngsters to look at the cover before reading their book: 'Let’s look at the cover and tell Sunny about it.' "
Apr[17] = " Put a dog treat on the floor, say ‘Leave It’ or ‘Don’t Touch,’ and then praise him with a different treat or reward. This command will be useful if you notice your dog trying to sneak a piece of candy from a child’s pocket or starting to pick up something from the floor. "
Apr[18] = " Get a clean toothbrush, and see if your dog will let you gently rub it against his teeth. Kids like hearing the dog had his teeth brushed before coming to school, just like they did. Be sure to use only water or a toothaste made for animals, such as C.E.T. Enzymatic Dentifrice. "
Apr[19] = " Children’s books often have colorful, beautiful artwork. Encourage a child to look at it instead of turning the page quickly: ‘Tell Sunny what you like about this picture.’"
Apr[20] = " Stickers of all types are a big hit with kids. Look for animals, popular cartoon characters, holiday pictures, and some with encouraging ‘Great Job’ remarks. "
Apr[21] = " Sometimes a child will bring 4 or 5 books to read, so we let Sunny pick out which one he wants to listen to. Teach your dog to touch a book with his nose, and it will look like he’s very interested in that book. "
Apr[22] = " A small poster urging people to respect each reader’s time with your dog is a good way to keep distractions away. A piece of paper (card stock or laminated) with large letters, and a picture of the dog if possible, will work fine: ‘Shhhhhh . . . Please don’t interrupt while we’re reading to Sunny. We’ll be happy to talk with you and answer any questions when we’re through (in just a few minutes).’ "
Apr[23] = " A simple page to color, especially if it’s a picture of children reading to dogs, is nice surprise to offer after a reading session. "
Apr[24] = " Colorful bandannas depicting various seasons and holidays, or any doggie or cartoon character print, can be interesting for your dog to wear. Easy to make, or inexpensive to buy at many of the dog shows, dog wash places, and pet supply stores. Most come in a variety of sizes, some are reversible, and some have Velcro closures. "
Apr[25] = " If a child is unsure how to pronounce a word, he may or may not know what it means when he hears it. Say, ‘I wonder if Sunny knows what that word means. Can you tell him?’ This gives you a chance to explain a new word, if necessary. " 
Apr[26] = " Put some rocks or coins in a pail, shake it, and encourage your dog to investigate what the noise was. This is one way to ensure your dog won’t be startled by unexpected sounds from a school fire drill bell or a weather alarm siren. "
Apr[27] = " Touch, rub, and pet your dog’s ears a few times every day. This can help her accept pats and hugs from youngsters when she least expects them. "
Apr[28] = " Have a throw or small blanket to define your reading area. I have one with a beautiful collie on it that looks amazingly like Sunny, but anything will do. This, along with the sign asking people not to interrupt, will make the reading session special. "
Apr[29] = " Allow the child to choose where he or she will sit when reading. Some children like to sit directly across from Sunny and some sit right next to him, showing him each page as they read. Some will stroke one of his paws, some throw an arm across his neck, and some lie down and use his back as a big pillow. "
Apr[30] = " Give your dog some exercise today by running, walking, or playing an energetic game with him. "

May = new Array

May[1]= " Every child who’s ever read to Sunny has signed his book. In his case, it’s ‘I’ll Teach My Dog 100 Words.’ I emphasize that it’s okay to write in it because it’s Sunny’s book, not a library book. Kids of all ages have wanted to add their names to his special book. Look for colorful marker pens that won’t bleed through the pages! "
May[2] = " Turn your dog over on his back and rub his tummy several times today. "
May[3] = " Most of us have a photo album full of photos of our pets that we can share with our students. Try making a booklet that combines the photos with information, brief stories, or captions the children can read. "
May[4] = " Hold a treat in your hand, tell your dog ‘Leave It’ or ‘Don’t Touch,’ and praise him for not grabbing it. Then give him a different treat as a reward. "
May[5] = " Allow time for conversation aside from reading to allow the child to communicate, overcome shyness, and learn new facts about animals and people. Children often ask things like, Does he bark? What does he eat? Does he live with you? What kind of dog is he or she? Does he have brothers and sisters? "
May[6] = " Teach ‘Which One?’ by putting a treat in one hand, closing your fist, and letting your dog choose the correct hand with his nose or his paw. Kids love seeing the dog try to guess which hand holds a treat. "
May[7] = " Have fun while the child reads. Laugh out loud at a funny part of the story, giggle at something really silly, express wonder at an unusual event, repeat a sentence in the character’s voice. "
May[8] = " A 3-ring notebook with photo pages each holding six 4”x6” pictures is an inexpensive way to share a lot of your R.E.A.D. pictures with children and parents. "
May[9] = " Paul's partner is a large black Bouvier named Jeremiah. During introductions with fearful childen, Paul has Jeremiah lie down and he rubs his tummy. Then he invites the children to rub Jeremiah's tummy. So far, he says, it's worked every time with his readers. "
May[10] = " Stephanie and her Newfoundland, Bucky, like to pawtograph for the kids. She used a nontoxic paint watered down a bit, then blotted his paw on newspaper until she was able to get a clear paw print on a clean piece of paper. She took the paw print page to a rubber stamp manufacturer in town and they made the stamp for her. It matches Bucky's paw print exactly. "
May[11] = " 'Misha’s Mission,' written by Mary Zoch, is about what makes a good citizen. Mary found that children loved reading books about Misha to Misha, and she is continuing to write books based on positive character traits centered around Misha's life and adventures. Misha’s Mission is available at http://www.callofdutypublications.com/mishasmission.html. "
May[12] = " If your dog relaxes and goes to sleep, explain that he’s enjoying the story so much he just wants to close his eyes and picture what’s happening in his mind: ‘Do you ever close your eyes when you listen to music or try to imagine what’s happening in a story? That’s what Sunny is doing. You’re SUCH a good reader!' "
May[13] = " After reading the book 'Dog Breath,' brush your dog's teeth and let the kids look around in his mouth and see all his yuckies. "
May[14] = " If a parent brings a child who is uncooperative and says he doesn’t like to read and would rather plan computer games, try gently pointing out that it’s really difficult to play computer games very well if you can’t read (you have to read instructions and make selections, etc). Actually, there are lots of things you can’t do if you don’t know how to read. "
May[15] = " If part of an older student’s curriculum requires writing a persuasive essay, suggest he or she write one on the benefits of a therapy animal. "
May[16] = " Many young kids love “memory stamps” (okay, they can be fake tattoos), and a small dog stamp used with child-safe washable ink is often a big hit. Look for one of your dog’s breed. "
May[17] = " If your reading visit will be much more than an hour, allow for a 15-minute break halfway through. Your dog might not look stressed, but he may be. You both should have a chance to get up and walk around outside, stretch your legs, have a drink of water, and get some fresh air. "
May[18] = " If your therapy dog is very sensitive to sounds, try to schedule school reading visits to avoid fire drill days. "
May[19] = " Reading in a library just twice a month, we do not see the same children every single time. I try to enthusiastically greet every child by name, but in the beginning, at least, it’s not easy to remember their names. Each child has a card on file that indicates how many books they’ve read to Sunny so far, so if I’m not sure of the child’s name, I tell them the cards are filed alphabetically and ask them to spell their last name for me so I can get their card out. From then on, I can use their name when talking with them while they read. "
May[20] = " Bring a few of your own books, because sometimes the teacher-selected book is finished quickly and the child still has time left for practice. The kids really enjoy dog-themed books. "
May[21] = " Touch your dog's face, examine his teeth and gums, and tell him he’s a terrific dog. Toddlers and young children are sometimes quick to poke where they shouldn’t, and this can help your dog remain calm. "
May[22] = " Have someone brush your dog who has never brushed him before and praise him for sitting still. "
May[23] = " Linda of Pawsitive Pets in Florida keeps a book of photos from all her visits with Maggie, her golden retriever. She says, 'The parents have really enjoyed looking at it when I am at the libraries and bookstores...and as for me, it's just great memories I will always have of these kids responding to Maggie.' "
May[24] = " Some R.E.A.D. teams place large laminated paper paw prints on the floor leading to their area of the library or bookstore. "
May[25] = " After drawing an imaginary line by swooping your arm down and across horizontally, say ‘Wait,’ and make sure your dog doesn’t cross that line until you release him. Not the same as ‘Stay,’ this means the dog can move around at will as long as he doesn’t cross into the area defined by the line. "
May[26] = " If you have photos of your dog reading with children, put them in an album to show new readers what a good listener he is. "
May[27] = " Having mastered basic obedience commands, our therapy dogs can demonstrate good behavior when we least expect it, Paul says that in the library he has to walk past teenaagers at the computers to get to the Family Learning Center room. He moves quickly with Jeremiah in his obedience heel, and says he's pretty sure Jeremiah is the first trained dog many of these teenagers have ever seen. "
May[28] = " Encourage nonreaders to tell your dog a story about their picture book. It is amazing how imaginative and creative they can be. "
May[29] = " When Harley closes his eyes during a reading session, his owner, Karen, always comments to the kids that they are such great readers that Harley has been soothed into relaxation. He loves the sound of their voices and the pictures they are creating with their words. She compares it to them hearing a bedtime story and how their parents’ voices lull them to sleep and make them feel cozy and safe. Karen says they seem to get a kick out of having that much power. "
May[30] = " Teach your dog to ‘Turn Around’ or ‘Spin’ by having her follow a treat around in a circle. When she will do it without the lure, it’s a cute trick to show children when they’re finished reading. Sunny will 'Spin Left' and 'Spin Right.' " 
May[31] = " Make stickers on your computer using a photo of your dog and a brief sentence; for example, ‘I read to Sunny today at the La Mesa Library.’ Address and shipping labels from an office supply store come in many sizes and will work just fine for this. "


Jun = new Array
Jun[1] = " Encourage children to ask questions about the characters, pictures, and words in their book. "
Jun[2] = " If you feel you should admit to a child that your dog can't actually read, just explain he's a very good listener. "
Jun[3] = " Just for fun, but especially if the child is shy, offer to take turns reading every other page, or maybe even every other paragraph. "
Jun[4] = " Encourage children to guess what will happen next as they read a story. "
Jun[5] = " As a child reads to your dog, don't interrupt to correct mistakes that do not change the meaning. "
Jun[6] = " Ask the reader to tell your therapy dog and you why a character in the book might have taken a specific action. "
Jun[7] = " Linda, a retired elementary school teacher, visits first- and second-grade students with Olson, her golden retriever. After a few weeks, she interviews the kids and lets them tell her what they know about Olson, what he's done, what's she’s told them about him; she then compiles a book with simple illustrations to give each child on their last visit for the year. She personalizes each book with a picture of Olson and the child. "
Jun[8] = " Even children too young to read can tell Sunny the story by describing the pictures as they turn the pages. "
Jun[9] = " Ask the child what made the book interesting. "
Jun[10] = " If a student is struggling with a word, try saying, 'Let's think of what might make sense here. Maybe we can get a hint from the rest of the sentence, or from the pictures.' "
Jun[11] = " Take a picture walk through the story. Look at all the illustrations page by page and encourage the child to explain what is happening. "
Jun[12] = " One option for a less confident reader is to read the book together. The tutor and the child read at exactly the same time, in stereo. As the child's confidence increases, the tutor's volume decreases. "
Jun[13] = " Some R.E.A.D. teams have worked with the schools to select appropriate books to give to the students at the end of the school year, and they create a book label for each book with the dog’s photo and name. "
Jun[14] = " Books about events in a child's life, such as new siblings or moving to a new home, can help a youngster cope with fears and feelings. "
Jun[15] = " Encourage older children to read to their younger brothers and sisters, or to their own pets at home. "
Jun[16] = " Ask the student if he or she liked the end of the story, then ask Why? or Why not? "
Jun[17] = " Suggest reading with expression. Encourage the boys and girls to create different voices for different characters. "
Jun[18] = " Talk about reading preferences by asking whether the child likes adventure stories, mysteries, science fiction, animal stories, or storie about other children. "
Jun[19] = " If your library has a summer reading program theme, you might be able to enhance but not detract from the focus on reading. For example, the statewide summer program in Texas one year was called ‘Sail Away With Books.’ Barbara dressed Tina in some nautical-theme items and compiled a special list of children’s books about dogs and the sea. "
Jun[20] = " Sometimes I'll say, 'Sunny doesn't know that word. Can you tell him what it means?' "
Jun[21] = " At the end of a reading session, letting the child give a small treat to your dog is as much fun for the child as it is for the dog. It is also a chance to reinforce safety, by explaining how to place the treat on an open palm. "
Jun[22] = " Lorraine uses a new version of 'Old Maid' where one card says 'Five dogs' (picture of 5 dogs) and the card that matces it says 'Five dogs chasing frogs.' There are several different animals ('Skunks driving trucks,' etc.), and she thinks it will be a fun way for kids to work on words and numbers. "
Jun[23] = " Rhyming and word games, singing silly songs, and writing poems and stories together are great ways to foster a love of words. "
Jun[24] = " If you can teach your dog to place his paw on a book without ripping the page, you can let the child fill in the blanks, saying 'Sunny is looking at this word. It starts with the letter ___.' or 'it rhymes with ____,' or 'it is made up of two smaller words, ____ and ____.' "
Jun[25] = " Sometimes students wlll bring several books to read. If they're by the same author, I might ask why they like the stories that person writes. Also, would they like to meet the author, and if so, what would they like to say or what questions would they ask. "
Jun[26] = " Encourage youngsters to look at the cover before reading their book: 'Let’s look at the cover and tell Sunny about it.' "
Jun[27] = " Mary was working with a student who was afraid of Misha, her black Lab mix, so she brought a small black stuffed dog to class and let the student hold it while he read to Misha. After watching the other students petting Misha, he eventually came around and now loves to pet her. "
Jun[28] = " Help children learn to properly greet dogs by having them ask for permission, extend their hand slowly with the fingers tucked under, allowing the dog to sniff, and then, when the dog is ready, gently pet him along the side of his head or along his body. "
Jun[29] = " If the librarian or the children will choose their books in advance,that doesn’t take away from their reading time. "
Jun[30] = " If you see the same child for several weeks or months in a row, giving him an official graduation or participation certificate at the end of his session is a great idea. "

Jul = new Array
Jul[1] = " Bone-shaped flash cards can make learning with a dog even more fun. "
Jul[2] = " During the story, ask if the main character is someone he or she would like as a friend. "
Jul[3] = " When lots of kids rush up in a crowd to greet your therapy dog, gently remind them 'Only two children at a time, please.' Even though your dog may be calm and able to handle the excitement, many others couldn't. For safety's sake, four hands petting are plenty. "
Jul[4] = " Help your dog stay safe by keeping her in the house tonight if she is afraid of fireworks and loud noises. "
Jul[5] = " A simple page to color, especially if it’s a picture of children reading to dogs, is nice surprise to offer after a reading session. "
Jul[6] = " Encourage nonreaders to tell your dog a story about their picture book. It is amazing how imaginative and creative they can be. "
Jul[7] = " Ask the child what he or she thought was the best part of the book. "
Jul[8] = " Touch your dog's face, examine his teeth and gums, and tell him he’s a terrific dog. Toddlers and young children are sometimes quick to poke where they shouldn’t, and this can help your dog remain calm. "
Jul[9] = " Make stickers on your computer using a photo of your dog and a brief sentence; for example, ‘I read to Sunny today at the La Mesa Library.’ Address and shipping labels from an office supply store come in many sizes and will work just fine for this. "
Jul[10] = " If a child is unsure how to pronounce a word, he may or may not know what it means when he hears it. Say, ‘I wonder if Sunny knows what that word means. Can you tell him?’ This gives you a chance to explain a new word, if necessary. "
Jul[11] = " If your reading visit will be much more than an hour, allow for a 15-minute break halfway through. Your dog might not look stressed, but he may be. A short walk or a drink of water is a good for both of you. "
Jul[12] = " Teach 'Which One?' by putting a treat in one hand, closing your fist, and letting your dog choose the correct hand with his nose or his paw. Kids love seeing the dog try to guess which hand holds a treat. "
Jul[13] = " Suggest reading with expression. Encourage the boys and girls to create different voices for different characters. "
Jul[14] = " If a student is struggling with a sentence, reading aloud back to him the part he's just read might help him figure out what the next words will be. "
Jul[15] = " Because I have a hearing loss and difficulty hearing the youngsters read, especially those who barely speak above a whisper, I sometimes say, 'Can you speak a little louder so Sunny can hear you better?' "
Jul[16] = " Give your dog some exercise today by running, walking, or playing an energetic game with him. "
Jul[17] = " As a child reads to your dog, don't interrupt to correct mistakes that do not change the meaning. "
Jul[18] = " Children get a lot of satisfaction from reclining against a dog, having their arm around him, or just petting and stroking him while reading. The dog doesn’t have to be paying attention every moment for the good things to happen. "
Jul[19] = " For anyone who asks, the goal of R.E.A.D. is to help children learn to love reading and books and the reading environment as they practice their reading, comprehension, and communication skills. "
Jul[20] = " A book of dog tricks written for children works wonders in showing kids that reading can provide them with knowledge, power, and fun. This can work like magic with some of the older or more difficult middle-school students. When they succeed in teaching a trick to a dog, using kindness and patience, they literally glow with satisfaction. "
Jul[21] = " Surprises or treats for progress in reading can be any number of things. Try making big bone bookmarks, and each week when a child completes a book they can put something like a sticker or a paw print stamp on their bookmark. Upon reading 10 age-appropriate books, your school or library might be able to give a brand-new book to the child. "
Jul[22] = " Conversations with young readers often include something about their pets at home. This is a great time to encourage them to read to their own dog or kitty each night before they go to bed. "
Jul[23] = " R.E.A.D. dogs can sometimes wear a pair of glasses (a great ice breaker for difficult situations). As you might expect, a R.E.A.D. cat always does her own thing simply by curling up in the reader's lap and purring. "
Jul[24] = " Studies of the human brain (in both adults and children) show that learning is most effective when the mind is in a state of 'relaxed alertness.' The state of relaxed alertness is exactly what our dogs can help achieve, especially for children, and even more so for those with problems either relaxing or focusing. "
Jul[25] = " Many R.E.A.D. teams have had teachers tell them that their hyperactive students are much more relaxed when they return to class after reading with the dog. "
Jul[26] = " When children relax and stop worrying, they can read better and don't mind practicing more. The more they read, the better they become at reading. "
Jul[27] = " Allow the child to choose where he or she will sit when reading. Some children like to sit directly across from Sunny and some sit right next to him, showing him each page as they read. Some will stroke one of his paws, some throw an arm across his neck, and some lie down and use his back as a big pillow. "
Jul[28] = " Ask a child to show your dog her favorite picture on the page. Tell her your dog wants to know why that is her favorite. "
Jul[29] = " Linda and her golden retriever, Maggie, have been asked be part of their school's annual Family Reading Night. With 500 children expected to attend, Linda got two R.E.A.D. teams to help out. They planned to put the kids in a circle surrounding Maggie. Each child will read a little bit of a book and then and pass the book on to the next child. "
Jul[30] = " Trading cards with cute tidbits about your dog can be fun for the kids. Besides name, nickname, breed, and birthday, include things like favorite food, toy, game, tricks, maybe even 'fluffiness factor!' "
Jul[31] = " At the library in Nevada City, California, where Helen and her dog, George, visit, the librarian makes a 'fort' out of chairs in the far corner of the room where she and George and the child who is reading can sit. The child has privacy, and it avoids prompting by parents. "

Aug = new Array
Aug[1] = " Picture this! Penni and her Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Kip, along with Marian and her Gret Dane, Kaiser, are working with some second grade readers at a parochial school in Albuquerque. The results (besides helping the reading children) are that Kip and Kaiser are kings of the school. As soon as they step foot on campus, children flock from gym class and from walking between buildingsk, and their teachers, teaching assistants, and the administrators all say hi to the dogs. The tall dog and the short dog are so popular, and they bring happiness to an entire school. When Penni and Marian leave, the parents waiting to pick up their children surround them to say thanks for bringing the dogs to school. It really turns the day in the right direction! "
Aug[2] = " Bone-shaped flash cards can make reading with a dog even more fun. "
Aug[3] = " If your reading visit will be much more than an hour, allow for a 15-minute break halfway through. Your dog might not look stressed, but he may be. You both should have a chance to get up and walk around outside, stretch your legs, have a drink of water, and get some fresh air. "
Aug[4] = " ALL the students want to read now? If all students have permission slips on file for reading with the dog, the teacher can draw names of 2 or 3 (fixed) to win a reading session with your dog. Then the teacher can draw one more name (random) to read if or when the others are finished. This way, generally all the children will get a chance to read during the school year.  "
Aug[5] = " Nancy of PJ’s Pals in Apple Valley, California, shared the great idea of a Buddy Bag. The Buddy Bag contains books, a stuffed dog (Buddy), and a journal to write in so the students can tell what they read to Buddy and what adventures Buddy went on with them. The teachers sign it out weekly, and seem to like the idea as it involves the whole class.   "
Aug[6] = " If you take your dog to a local bookstore or library in addition to regular school visits, having a teacher or principal announce that is a way to give some of the youngsters a chance to read to your dog who might not be able to at school because they don’t need special attention.  "
Aug[7] = " Kaki of Hemlock, Michigan, found that working in the inner city setting is a little different. She says the kids are more leery of the dogs because the dogs they see in everyday life are neighborhood dogs that run free. She suggests bringing show what working dogs do, books about therapy dogs, and a stuffed animal for them to pet before they got close to her dog, Sophie. To help the kids who held back, she discussed how to approach a strange dog, how to act around dogs and not to scream, yank their fur, etc. They were more relaxed at the next visit and even said hi to Sophie in the hallways. Plus, she says, Sophie carrying in a Clifford stuffed dog was such a big hit, they couldn't help loving her! "
Aug[8] = " Anne takes Sara, her German Shepherd, to school one day a week. Sara works with 2 students 15 minutes, then plays for 15 minutes, and repeats that two more times. Working with six students and having two 15-minute play sessions has been their schedule for several years. "
Aug[9] = " Beginning readers sometimes have trouble sounding out words correctly. To help children, some phonics programs call silent letters 'ghost letters,' because we see them and don't hear them. "
Aug[10] = " Lorraine also visits a school once a week with Dulcie, her cocker spaniel. She says that on visit day, she always makes sure they don't have anything else going on so that she can bring Dulcie home, give her a massage, and let her stretch out on the couch awhile after her time with the kids. "
Aug[11] = " Karen likes to things very simple: a blanket and a backpack of books. With those two items, many doors open up. No tricks, no costumes (except when PTA asked her to bring Harley as the reading ambassador for their Scholastic Book Fair night, and they asked her to dress him as a king in conjunction with their theme). Two extras for older readers with special needs include age-appropriate magazines and dog tricks. Karen focuses all of the child's attention on the joys of reading. "
Aug[12] = " See what works best in your situation. In schools and some libraries, the teacher (or librarian) chooses books for a child to read. Sometimes children bring books they've chosen. In either case, it doesn't hurt to have a few of your own for variety or if you have extra time. "
Aug[13] = " Bandanas with a R.E.A.D. logo can be worn by your dog to provide a professional look, but other bandanas can be interesting. Seasonal pictures and colorful designs can be fun for the kids to see and look nice on the dog. "
Aug[14] = " Some of our therapy dogs are in reading programs with autistic children. As Pat in Massachusetts says, the calm dog helps calm the child. The dog helps these children focus, as well. "
Aug[15] = " Encourage nonreaders to tell your dog a story about their picture book. It is amazing how imaginative and creative they can be. "
Aug[16] = " Turn your dog over on his back and rub his tummy several times today. "
Aug[17] = " Give your dog some exercise today by running, walking, or playing an energetic game with him. "
Aug[18] = " If part of an older student’s curriculum requires writing a persuasive essay, suggest he or she write one on the benefits of a therapy animal. "
Aug[19] = " If your reading visit will be much more than an hour, allow for a 15-minute break halfway through. Your dog might not look stressed, but he may be. You both should have a chance to get up and walk around outside, stretch your legs, have a drink of water, and get some fresh air."
Aug[20] = " Linda described what happened when a bomb drill occurred during a R.E.A.D. session. First, everyone exited the school and proceeded to the athletic field across the street. All the students lined up in orderly fashion, then each child came forward and asked politely, 'May I please pet your dog?' The presence of the two R.E.A.D. teams brought calm and order to a disruptive event in the normal school day routine. "
Aug[21] = " A 3-ring notebook with photo pages each holding six 4”x6” pictures is an inexpensive way to share a lot of your R.E.A.D. pictures with children and parents. "
Aug[22] = " Sue says that 'Rosie the Visiting Dog' is one of the stories in the 3rd grade reader. After the children have read that story, the teachers arrange for a R.E.A.D. team to come to class so they can meet a REAL visiting dog. "
Aug[23] = " From a young reader in Oceanside, California: 'I love to read and I really like dogs,' she said giving her reading buddy a hug. 'This way, I can pretend I have a dog and read at the same time. I love this program because it gives me two of my most favorite things, reading and dogs.' "
Aug[24] = " Even children too young to read can tell your dog the story by describing the pictures as they turn the pages. "
Aug[25] = " Nothing is more important than inspiring children to love books, words, and learning, and R.E.A.D. does all that in its deceptively simple but powerful way. "
Aug[26] = " Younger children enjoy books that use word repetition, rhymes, and predictable text, expecially with colorful pictures and simple words. "
Aug[27] = " Barbara finds it useful to have at least one dog-theme alphabet book handy in her bag when reading with kids at the libraries. She says these books are fun to use with pre-readers, beginning readers, and even older children, who all enjoy talking about the pictures. "
Aug[28] = " Younger children enjoy books that use word repetition, rhymes, and predictable text, expecially with colorful pictures and simple words. "
Aug[29] = " While nearly any kind of reading aloud offers some benefit, child-development specialists are recognizing the value of ‘dialogic reading.’ That involves bringing children more actively into the process by having them point to certain items in the pictures, asking them questions about what might be coming up next or encouraging them to think about how the book might relate to their own lives. "
Aug[30] = " Rule number one: Keep reading fun! "
Aug[31] = " Dog-theme bookmarks can usually be found at local teacher supply stores. Dollar stores and Michael's craft stores often have a good selection of inexpensive dog stickers. "

Sep = new Array
Sep[1] = " Encourage youngsters to look at the cover before reading their book: 'Let’s look at the cover and tell Sunny about it.' "
Sep[2] = " Elizabeth found rubber paw print stamps in various sizes at a Michael's craft store in New York. She also got one with two bones that says 'Woof Woof' on it. She says the kids love them. "
Sep[3] = " If you make your own bookmarks or trading cards, consider adding tips on humane animal care or safety around dogs (including the family pet) to the back of the item. "
Sep[4] = " If asked whether her dogs (rottweilers) bite, Heddie’s response is, ‘This is my team partner, (dog’s name). He has gone to school to learn how to be a good citizen, follow the rules, and behave. He earned his vest after he passed a test to show he knows how to follow the rules, behave and be nice and safe, otherwise he would not be allowed to be here to share with you.’ "
Sep[5] = " In addition to books, a grooming brush can be helpful for autistic students. Brushing a dog is a difficult task for some of them because of the tactile sensation, but it has been used effectively to 'break the ice' and to draw the student in to a state that he or she can quiet and focus enough to then move to reading a book. "
Sep[6] = " Take turns reading. Kids enjoy this special interaction. "
Sep[7] = " Introduce older readers to a series like The Boxcar Children or Harry Potter, or to a second book by a favorite author. "
Sep[8] = " Ask questions about the story the child just read; for example, 'Why do you think Clifford did that?' "
Sep[9] = " Allow plenty of time for a child to sound out an unfamiliary word. Remind him or her to look closely at the first letter or letters of the word. "
Sep[10] = " You may notice a child reading the same book over and over. That's okay. Re-reading helps kids read more quickly and accurately. "
Sep[11] = " If it seems a child is reading a book that's too easy, it's still excellent practice. The aim is to give a child lots of successful reading experiences. "
Sep[12] = " If your dog relaxes or even goes to sleep, explain that he’s enjoying the story so much he just wants to close his eyes and picture what’s happening in his mind: ‘Do you ever close your eyes when you listen to music or try to imagine what’s happening in a story? That’s what Sunny is doing. You’re SUCH a good reader!' "
Sep[13] = " Take a picture walk through the story. Look at all the illustrations page by page and encourage the child to explain what is happening. "
Sep[14] = " Get a clean toothbrush, and see if your dog will let you gently rub it against his teeth. Kids like hearing the dog had his teeth brushed before coming to school, just like they did. Be sure to use only water or a toothaste made for animals, such as C.E.T. Enzymatic Dentifrice. "
Sep[15] = " Lorraine and Dulcie work one-on-one with readers, but she and the teacher thought it would be good to have the first visit be a 'Get to know Dulcie' group session for everyone. "
Sep[16] = " When a child has sounded out an unfamiliar word, ask him or her to re-read that sentence. Often kids are so busy figuring out a word they lose the meaning of what they've just read."
Sep[17] = " Visiting schools and libraries gives us many chances to teach safety around animals. For example, reminding children they should always ask permission to pet someone's dog. "
Sep[18] = " A simple page to color, especially if it’s a picture of children reading to dogs, is nice surprise to offer after a reading session. "
Sep[19] = " Make stickers on your computer using a photo of your dog and a brief sentence; for example, ‘I read to Sunny today at the La Mesa Library.’ Address and shipping labels from an office supply store come in many sizes and will work just fine for this. "
Sep[20] = " Whenever your dog goes to the bathroom, say 'Go' or 'Better Go Now,' or words of your own choosing. Soon he'll go when you tell him to, which is very useful before you have to leave the dog alone in the house, when you bring him in for the night, and of course when you are taking him to visit and want to be sure he won’t have to relieve himself when you get there. It’s like many of us were taught, ‘Go to the bathroom before you leave home.' "
Sep[21] = " Put a dog treat on the floor, say ‘Leave It’ or ‘Don’t Touch,’ and then praise him with a different treat or reward. This command will be useful if you notice your dog trying to sneak a piece of candy from a child’s pocket or starting to pick up something from the floor. "
Sep[22] = " Encourage older children to read to their younger brothers and sisters, or to their own pets at home. "
Sep[23] = " Teach ‘Which One?’ by putting a treat in one hand, closing your fist, and letting your dog choose the correct hand with his nose or his paw. Kids love seeing the dog try to guess which hand holds a treat. "
Sep[24] = " Reading in a library just twice a month, we do not see the same children every single time. I try to enthusiastically greet every child by name, but in the beginning, at least, it’s not easy to remember their names. Each child has a card on file that indicates how many books they’ve read to Sunny so far, so if I’m not sure of the child’s name, I tell them the cards are filed alphabetically and ask them to spell their last name for me so I can get their card out. From then on, I can use their name when talking with them while they read. "
Sep[25] = " If a student is struggling with a word, try saying, 'Let's think of what might make sense here. Maybe we can get a hint from the rest of the sentence, or from the pictures.' "
Sep[26] = " Linda of Pawsitive Pets in Florida keeps a book of photos from all her visits with Maggie, her golden retriever. She says, 'The parents have really enjoyed looking at it when I am at the libraries and bookstores...and as for me, it's just great memories I will always have of these kids responding to Maggie.' "
Sep[27] = " Bookmarks are fun, useful, and a real surprise if you make one with a photo of your therapy dog and the student reader. "
Sep[28] = " If your dog has been featured in a newspaper article, laminate a copy to let parents look at. It adds credibility to the R.E.A.D. program, and it keeps the parent busy while their child is reading to your dog. "
Sep[29] = " Some R.E.A.D. teams have worked with the schools to select appropriate books to give to the students at the end of the school year, and they create a book label for each book with the dog’s photo and name. "
Sep[30] = " Ask a child to show your dog her favorite picture on the page. Tell her your dog wants to know why that is her favorite. "

Oct = new Array
Oct[1] = " Consider giving students, teachers, and librarians a list of dog books that tie in well with an upcoming holiday, possibly introduced as some of your R.E.A.D. dog’s favorite picks for this time of year. "
Oct[2] = " Conversations with young readers often include something about their pets at home. This is a great time to encourage them to read to their own dog or kitty each night before they go to bed. "
Oct[3] = " To help with reading comprehension, ask questions like, ‘What do you think Sunny might learn from this book?’ "
Oct[4] = " Whenever your dog goes to the bathroom, say 'Go,' 'Go potty,' or 'Better Go Now,' or words of your own choosing. Soon he'll go when you tell him to, which is very useful before you have to leave the dog alone in the house, when you bring him in for the night, and of course when you are taking him to visit and want to be sure he won’t have to relieve himself when you get there. It’s like many of us were taught, ‘Go to the bathroom before you leave home.' "
Oct[5] = " Most of us have a photo album full of photos of our pets that we can share with our students. Try making a booklet that combines the photos with information, brief stories, or captions the children can read. "
Oct[6] = " Try creating a HOWLiday card to send your R.E.A.D.ers from your dogs this Halloween season. "
Oct[7] = " As a child reads to your dog, don't interrupt to correct mistakes that do not change the meaning. "
Oct[8] = " When meeting new readers, Lorraine and Dulcie hand out laminated cards with a picture of them on one side and on the other side a sentence, 'When you read to us, it makes us smile! Lorraine and Dulcie.' Lorraine punched a hole in one end so the parents could help the kids hang it up or make it into a backpack pull."
Oct[9] = " Ask the child what made the book interesting. "
Oct[10] = " During the story, ask if the main character is someone he or she would like as a friend. "
Oct[11] = " Helen and her dog read at a library in Nevada City, California. The librarian makes a ‘fort’ out of chairs, and she and George and the child who is reading sit in the far corner. The child has privacy, and it avoids prompting or interruptions by the parents. The librarian explains to people that there is a special reading program going on that that area is off limits.  "
Oct[12] = " Books about events in a child's life, such as new siblings or moving to a new home, can help a youngster cope with fears and feelings. "
Oct[13] = " Encourage youngsters to look at the cover before reading their book: 'Let’s look at the cover and tell Sunny about it.' "
Oct[14] = " A short list of dog-theme Halloween stories can be listed on the back of a bookmark. "
Oct[15] = " Sometimes I'll say, 'Sunny doesn't know that word. Can you tell him what it means?' "
Oct[16] = " Put some rocks or coins in a pail, shake it, and encourage your dog to investigate what the noise was. This is one way to ensure your dog won’t be startled by unexpected sounds from a school fire drill bell or a weather alarm siren. "
Oct[17] = " Dog-theme bookmarks can usually be found at local teacher supply stores. Dollar stores and Michael's craft stores often have a good selection of inexpensive dog stickers. "
Oct[18] = " Introduce older readers to a series like The Boxcar Children or Harry Potter, or to a second book by a favorite author. "
Oct[19] = " Bandanas with a R.E.A.D. logo can be worn by your dog to provide a professional look, but other bandanas can be interesting. Seasonal pictures and colorful designs can be fun for the kids to see and look nice on the dog."
Oct[20] = " Merilee, of READing Paws in Florida, has used flashcards, finding all the references she could that would relate to the dog: ear, foot, tail, head, fur, and so forth. Her Japanese student learned all about her R.E.A.D.ing dog from his 'doggy flashcards.' "
Oct[21] = " Here is an idea that worked well for Anne to get more books. When her school had a Scholastic Book Fair, she gave away 'Sara Bookmarks' (for a donation) and used the donated cash to buy more books at the fair. She was able to purchase about 10 more books for her program. "
Oct[22] = " Ruth in Colorado says what she has enjoyed and experienced in the R.E.A.D. program with both her dog and her cat is the sharing of the animals' unconditional love and the kids' delight in doing something a little different, but still learning. "
Oct[23] = " 'Misha’s Mission,' written by Mary Zoch, is about what makes a good citizen. Mary found that children loved reading books about Misha to Misha, and she is continuing to write books based on positive character traits centered around Misha's life and adventures. Misha’s Mission is available at http://www.callofdutypublications.com/mishasmission.html. "
Oct[24] = " A small poster urging people to respect each reader’s time with your dog is a good way to keep distractions away. A piece of paper (card stock or laminated) with large letters, and a picture of the dog if possible, will work fine: ‘Shhhhhh . . . Please don’t interrupt while we’re reading to Sunny. We’ll be happy to talk with you and answer any questions when we’re through (in just a few minutes).’ "
Oct[25] = " Ask the student if he or she liked the end of the story, then ask Why? or Why not? "
Oct[26] = " Because I have a hearing loss and difficulty hearing the youngsters read, especially those who barely speak above a whisper, I sometimes say, ‘Can you speak a little louder so Sunny can hear you better?’ "
Oct[27] = " Show children how to Be a Tree and stand still if a puppy or dog starts nipping at their costume, since the more they move, the more exited the dog will get. "
Oct[28] = " Suggest that young children never approach any dog on Halloween, even if they know him. He may not recognize them in their costume."
Oct[29] = " If you think your dog might get overly excited during Halloween night, play music or leave a TV or radio playing in the dog’s room to help mask the sounds of activity at the front door."
Oct[30] = " Beginning readers sometimes have trouble sounding out words correctly. To help children, some phonics programs call silent letters 'ghost letters,' because we see them and don't hear them. "
Oct[31] = " Strange sights and sounds on Halloween can cause stress in a normally calm dog. Keep dogs out of the fray by securing them away from the door and providing a long-lasting chew treat. "

Nov = new Array
Nov[1] = " Stickers of all types are a big hit with kids. Look for animals, popular cartoon characters, holiday pictures, and some with encouraging ‘Great Job’ remarks. "
Nov[2] = " Make stickers on your computer using a photo of your dog and a brief sentence; for example, ‘I read to Sunny today at the La Mesa Library.’ Address and shipping labels from an office supply store come in many sizes and will work just fine for this. "
Nov[3] = " At the library where Kari and her dog, Hattie, read, there is a way for ‘special visitors’ to sign up to read. One month the mayor came to read, and there have been teachers, firemen, etc., in other months. The kids are excited that someone ‘important’ is coming to read to their dog, just like them! Kari says it’s been a really big motivator. "
Nov[4] = "Sunny and I visit the library in La Mesa, California. The library has set aside some large boxes of brand-new books of all kinds, and the librarian gives the children a free book of their choosing after they’ve read 10 age-appropriate books to Sunny.  "
Nov[5] = " Have fun while the child reads. Laugh out loud at a funny part of the story, giggle at something really silly, express wonder at an unusual event, repeat a sentence in the character’s voice. "
Nov[6] = " Just for fun, but especially if the child is shy, offer to take turns reading every other page, or maybe even every other paragraph. "
Nov[7] = " Teach 'Which One?' by putting a treat in one hand, closing your fist, and letting your dog choose the correct hand with his nose or his paw. Kids love seeing the dog try to guess which hand holds a treat. "
Nov[8] = " Teach your dog to ‘Turn Around’ or ‘Spin’ by having her follow a treat around in a circle. When she will do it without the lure, it’s a cute trick to show children when they’re finished reading. Sunny will 'Spin Left' and 'Spin Right.' "
Nov[9] = " A small poster urging people to respect each reader’s time with your dog is a good way to keep distractions away. A piece of paper (card stock or laminated) with large letters, and a picture of the dog if possible, will work fine: ‘Shhhhhh . . . Please don’t interrupt while we’re reading to Sunny. We’ll be happy to talk with you and answer any questions when we’re through (in just a few minutes).’ "
Nov[10] = " Surprises or treats for progress in reading can be any number of things. Try making big bone bookmarks, and each week when a child completes a book they can put something like a sticker or a paw print stamp on their bookmark. Upon reading 10 age-appropriate books, your school or library might be able to give a brand-new book to the child.  "
Nov[11] = " Encourage older children to read to their younger brothers and sisters, or to their own pets at home. "
Nov[12] = " R.E.A.D. dogs can sometimes wear a pair of glasses (a great ice breaker for difficult situations). As you might expect, a R.E.A.D. cat always does her own thing simply by curling up in the reader's lap and purring. "
Nov[13] = " A simple page to color, especially if it’s a picture of children reading to dogs, is nice surprise to offer after a reading session. "
Nov[14] = " While nearly any kind of reading aloud offers some benefit, child-development specialists are recognizing the value of ‘dialogic reading.’ That involves bringing children more actively into the process by having them point to certain items in the pictures, asking them questions about what might be coming up next or encouraging them to think about how the book might relate to their own lives. "
Nov[15] = " Anne in Minneapolis, Minnesota, suggests rotating to a new group of readers every 10 weeks. That way, all the students in the class get a chance to read to her dog. "
Nov[16] = " Anne takes Sara, her German Shepherd, to school one day a week. Sara works with 2 students 15 minutes, then plays for 15 minutes, and repeats that two more times. Working with six students and having two 15-minute play sessions has been their schedule for several years."
Nov[17] = " Encourage children to think about what they are reading by asking questions about the characters, pictures, and words in their book. "
Nov[18] = " If your dog relaxes or even goes to sleep, explain that he’s enjoying the story so much he just wants to close his eyes and picture what’s happening in his mind: ‘Do you ever close your eyes when you listen to music or try to imagine what’s happening in a story? That’s what Sunny is doing. You’re SUCH a good reader!' "
Nov[19] = " Children get a lot of satisfaction from reclining against a dog, having their arm around him, or just petting and stroking him while reading. The dog doesn’t have to be paying attention every moment for the good things to happen. "
Nov[20] = " To help with reading comprehension, ask questions like, ‘What do you think Sunny might learn from this book?’ "
Nov[21] = " Give your dog some exercise today by running, walking, or playing an energetic game with him. "
Nov[22] = " One option for a less confident reader is to read the book together. The tutor and the child read at exactly the same time, in stereo. As the child's confidence increases, the tutor's volume decreases. "
Nov[23] = " If you take your dog to a local bookstore or library in addition to regular school visits, having a teacher or principal announce that is a way to give some of the youngsters a chance to read to your dog who might not be able to at school because they don’t need special attention. "
Nov[24] = " R.E.A.D. volunteers: Thanks for all you share, and for taking time to care. "
Nov[25] = " If your reading visit will be much more than an hour, allow for a 15-minute break halfway through. Your dog might not look stressed, but he may be. A short walk or a drink of water is a good for both of you. "
Nov[26] = " You may notice a child reading the same book over and over. That's okay. Re-reading helps kids read more quickly and accurately. "
Nov[27] = " Turn your dog over on his back and rub his tummy several times today. "
Nov[28] = " Just for fun, but especially if the child is shy, offer to take turns reading every other page, or maybe even every other paragraph. "
Nov[29] = " Whenever your dog goes to the bathroom, say 'Go' or 'Better Go Now,' or words of your own choosing. Soon he'll go when you tell him to, which is very useful before you have to leave the dog alone in the house, when you bring him in for the night, and of course when you are taking him to visit and want to be sure he won’t have to relieve himself when you get there. It’s like many of us were taught, ‘Go to the bathroom before you leave home.' "
Nov[30] = " A book of dog tricks written for children works wonders in showing kids that reading can provide them with knowledge, power, and fun. This can work like magic with some of the older or more difficult middle-school students. When they succeed in teaching a trick to a dog, using kindness and patience, they literally glow with satisfaction. "

Dec = new Array
Dec[1] = " Try bringing along a selection of holiday books about dogs for the children to read this month. "
Dec[2] = " Take a picture walk through the story. Look at all the illustrations page by page and encourage the child to explain what is happening.  "
Dec[3] = " Allow the child to choose where he or she will sit when reading. Some children like to sit directly across from Sunny and some sit right next to him, showing him each page as they read. Some will stroke one of his paws, some throw an arm across his neck, and some lie down and use his back as a big pillow.  "
Dec[4] = " If asked whether her dogs (rottweilers) bite, Heddie’s response is, ‘This is my team partner, (dog’s name). He has gone to school to learn how to be a good citizen, follow the rules, and behave. He earned his vest after he passed a test to show he knows how to follow the rules, behave and be nice and safe, otherwise he would not be allowed to be here to share with you.’ "
Dec[5] = " Children’s books often have colorful, beautiful artwork. Encourage a child to look at it instead of turning the page quickly: ‘Tell Sunny what you like about this picture.’ "
Dec[6] = " If it seems a child is reading a book that's too easy, it's still excellent practice. The aim is to give a child lots of successful reading experiences."
Dec[7] = " Encourage children to guess what will happen next as they read a story. "
Dec[8] = " Kaki in Michigan played Word Bingo with the dogs at a class Christmas party that included ten youngsters with various behavioral and reading issues. She learned that the child she was playing with read much better with the words covered by light colors, and that was enlightening. "
Dec[9] = " Rule number one: Keep reading fun! "
Dec[10] = " Talk about reading preferences by asking whether the child likes adventure stories, mysteries, science fiction, animal stories, or storie about other children.  "
Dec[11] = " Remember to give some special attention to your dog during the busy holiday season. "
Dec[12] = " As a child reads to your dog, don't interrupt to correct mistakes that do not change the meaning."
Dec[13] = " Ask the child what made the book interesting. "
Dec[14] = " Conversations with young readers often include something about their pets at home. This is a great time to encourage them to read to their own dog or kitty each night before they go to bed. "
Dec[15] = " Try having a year-end celebration with your dog and the whole class. Always great fun! "
Dec[16] = " Put a dog treat on the floor, say ‘Leave It’ or ‘Don’t Touch,’ and then praise him with a different treat or reward. This command will be useful if you notice your dog trying to sneak a piece of candy from a child’s pocket or starting to pick up something from the floor. "
Dec[17] = " Introduce older readers to a series like The Boxcar Children or Harry Potter, or to a second book by a favorite author. "
Dec[18] = " After reading the book 'Dog Breath,' brush your dog's teeth and let the kids look around in his mouth and see all his yuckies. "
Dec[19] = " Encourage older children to read to their younger brothers and sisters, or to their own pets at home. "
Dec[20] = " If you make your own bookmarks or trading cards, consider adding tips on humane animal care or safety around dogs (including the family pet) to the back of the item."
Dec[21] = " Children’s books often have colorful, beautiful artwork. Encourage a child to look at it instead of turning the page quickly: ‘Tell Sunny what you like about this picture.’ "
Dec[22] = " Tricks can be fun for both your dog and the audience, and actually there are many benefits to having your dog learn tricks. Among others, these benefits include improved concentration, better balance, prolonged health, and greater obedience. "
Dec[23] = " If you see the same child for several weeks or months in a row, giving him an official graduation or participation certificate at the end of his session is a great idea. "
Dec[24] = " Tips on humane animal care or safety around dogs (including the family pet) to the back of the item. "
Dec[25] = " Give your dog some exercise today by running, walking, or playing an energetic game with him. "
Dec[26] = " Puppies and young dogs love to chew, especially when teething. Watch them during the holiday season especially, and don't let them chew on gift wrappings, chocolate or candy canes, trees and ornaments, or turkey bones. "
Dec[27] = " If you live in a cold climate, remember anti-freeze is poisonous for a dog. "
Dec[28] = "  Lorraine uses a new version of 'Old Maid' where one card says 'Five dogs' (picture of 5 dogs) and the card that matces it says 'Five dogs chasing frogs.' There are several different animals ('Skunks driving trucks,' etc.), and she thinks it will be a fun way for kids to work on words and numbers. "
Dec[29] = " If your dog has been featured in a newspaper article, laminate a copy to let parents look at. It adds credibility to the R.E.A.D. program, and it keeps the parent busy while their child is reading to your dog."
Dec[30] = " From a young reader in Oceanside, California: 'I love to read and I really like dogs,' she said giving her reading buddy a hug. 'This way, I can pretend I have a dog and read at the same time. I love this program because it gives me two of my most favorite things, reading and dogs.' "
Dec[31] = " Help your dog stay safe by keeping her in the house tonight if she is afraid of fireworks and loud noises. "


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document.write("<P align=center><B><I>~ A 'Library Dogs' Daily Tip ~</I></B></P>")