“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
― Anatole France
A child’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development is often accelerated by daily interactions with a pet. Getting your child a pet helps their mind grow through social and emotional bonds.
All this cognitive growth increases literacy. Here’s how:
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Encourages Non-Fiction Reading
Getting your child a pet increases their desire to read about animals and proper care for their pet.
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Motivation to Read
When your child is caring for a pet, it increases their interest in reading books about that type of animal. They seek out books on rabbits, hamsters, etc. which leads to excitement and a purpose to read.
When you get your child a pet, it also gives them a buddy to read to. 🙂
If you aren’t able to get your child a pet, maybe you can find programs like this in your area:
The Animal Rescue League of Berks County, P.A., has a program called “Book Buddies” where children volunteer to read to sheltered cats.
Children reading storybooks to dogs—what could be cuter? Check out library dogs to learn more about this program.
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Increased Vocabulary
Any new experience in life leads to learning new vocabulary. Getting your child a pet expands their vocabulary as they learn terminology about how to care for their pet.
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Responsibility Increases Focus
By caring for the pet, your child becomes responsible and focused. This increases confidence. These are all important skills needed to increase literacy.
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Develops Empathy
Good readers have empathy. When your child has a pet, they learn how to care for the pet and meet its needs which develops empathy. Empathy helps your child comprehend how characters feel in stories which increases their reading comprehension.
“Animals are such agreeable friends- they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” George Eliot
What are the best pets for a child? Check out Healthline and Parents Magazine to get some guidance.
What age should I get my child a pet? This article has some great tips to answer that question.
Getting your child a pet increases literacy by developing empathy, expanding vocabulary, creating a purpose to read, and motivating your child to read to their pet (their new friend). These are just a few of the amazing benefits of getting your child a pet. Additionally, studies suggest that your child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development increase by owning a pet. Who wouldn’t want that?
Do you have pets? Do you see these benefits?
Let’s make a positive difference~ one word at a time.
♥Pamela
Please share this article with others that you think would benefit from these tips. Also, please ask any questions that you may have about teaching children reading or writing. Leave your questions in the comments. I’ll answer.
To learn more about Literate For Life, see the welcome post.
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Photo Credit: 1. parents.com, flickr.com, reddit 2. reddit 3. reddit 4. flickr.com 5. flickr.com 6. flickr.com
We have been debating whether or not to get a dog or not. My kids are begging us on a daily basis. I keep finding articles about why pets are great for kids. It must be some kind of sign!
Natasha,
Maybe it is a sign. However, getting a family pet is a big decision and a commitment that does require thought and timing. When the time is right for your family, I know your kids will be thrilled. 🙂
Together, we make a positive difference ~ one word at a time. 🙂
Pamela
It is so neat to see the “Read to a Animal” programs in so many libraries. Reading to an animal is also so great for kids who may be a bit shy reading aloud to a person. Great post!
Jodie,
Yes, it sure is. You are right. Reading to animals can help a shy child giving them a nonthreatening audience to read aloud too. Super point.
Together, we make a positive difference ~ one word at a time. 🙂
Pamela
Pamela,
Great correlation between reading and pets. I love the idea of a child reading to their pet. So cute AND beneficial to all parties involved. 🙂
Donna,
Thank you. Yes, you are right. It is beneficial to both the pet and child. Isn’t it amazing how many things in our lives promote literacy?
Together, we make a positive difference ~ one word at a time. 🙂
Pamela
I totally agree with this! My son adores our animals. He requested the chore of feeding them daily and they love to sit and listen to him read out loud. Since then, his reading has really taken off 🙂
Erin,
Thank you. It is wonderful that your son is so responsible and reads to your animals. I love it! 🙂
Together, we make a positive difference ~ one word at a time. 🙂
Pamela
Just out of curiosity, was this post sponsored by my children? They’ve been begging for a dog forever and I think they’re starting to try other methods of coercion…
Seriously good post, though. We’ve had hamsters and crayfish in the past, and even those pets have been good for all the reasons you listed.
#mondayformoms
Jenny,
Too funny. Yes, your children are little “gremlins” that got to me. 🙂 Just kidding. 🙂
I’m thrilled that this post was beneficial to you.
Together, we make a positive difference ~ one word at a time. 🙂
Pamela
These are great points and make me very happy that our kids have a dog! I found you on the #MommyMonday blog hop. Thank you for sharing!
Nicole,
Thank you. I am sure your kids love your dog too. Have them read to the dog. 🙂
Together, we make a positive difference ~ one word at a time.
Pamela
Reading programs with pets are amazing. One of the libraries in my area has the Tail Waggers Club, which brings therapy dogs to the library once a month so children can read aloud to them. The librarian told me children who struggle with reading skills excel when reading to the dogs because they don’t feel like there’s any pressure. When they read aloud with adults or classmates, they feel more stress.
I couldn’t agree more with your post — thanks for sharing! I stopped by via the Kid Lit Blog Hop.
Julie,
Wow. That is great to have a program like the Tail Waggers Club near you. I totally agree with you that it helps kids to have a pet or stuffed animal to read to so they don’t feel the stress of peer pressure. Great point. 🙂
Together, we make a positive difference ~ one word at a time. 🙂
Pamela
Reading to animals, that is just such an awesome idea. We have 2 sucking catfish, that seem to be immortal. Perhaps I will get little G to start reading to them when she is at that stage. LOL, Thanks so much for a really inspiring post and for joining the Kid Lit Blog Hop
Julie Anne,
That’s funny- about the catfish. 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I enjoy being part of the #kidlit community.
Together, we make a positive difference ~ one word at a time. 🙂
Pamela
Hi Pamela. Great post. Thanks for sharing and being part of the Kid Lit Blog Hop!
Cheryl,
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Together, we make a positive difference ~ one word at a time. 🙂
Pamela