Library time at Immaculate Conception School (ICS) in Marrero has literally
gone to the dogs. ICS, in partnership with the Jefferson Parish SPCA, has launched it’s “Read a Tale, Wag a Tail” program for the 2018-2019 school year. This program is the first of its kind in the greater New Orleans area.
The purpose of the program is two-fold. Research shows that reading aloud improves students’ oral reading fluency, strengthens reading comprehension skills and boosts self-confidence. The shelter dogs provide the perfect non-judgmental audience and even encourages shy students to participate. Similar programs across the country have also shown that the shelter dogs involved develop socialization skills thus improving the animals’ chances for adoption.
Mrs. Bridget Bourgeois, a kindergarten teacher, initiated the program at ICS.
“I came across a similar program that started in 1999,” said Bourgeois, “I began to do research and found other programs in other states and thought this would be something good for us to do at ICS.”
Once she got administrative support, Bourgeois and Jefferson Parish SPCA Westbank shelter manager Brooke Bourgeois (the two are not related), met to discuss how to bring the program to fruition. All dogs are extensively temperament tested and all students must have parental permission.
First through third grade students will read to shelter dogs twice a month during their library time. Second graders were the first to start the program on Monday, October 1, 2018.
Rylan Daigle, a second grade student, really enjoyed the experience.
“It was fun and you got to pet them, said Rylan, “I would rather read to a dog than my friends because the dogs are cuter.”
Braelyn Bourgeois, another second grader, feels this is a really good program.
“I think it’s good because they (the dogs) are all the time locked up in the shelter and this gets them out and have some space,” explained Braelyn.