WEST SENECA, N.Y. — It's usually babies or school kids that get read books aloud, but what about dogs and cats? The SPCA Serving Erie County will once again host their Tale for Two reading program for the 2024-2025 school year.
The program encourages children ages 5 – 16 to read aloud to adoptable animals at the shelter. Participants can bring their own books or choose from the SPCA's library.
You might be wondering if reading books to an animal could have any real benefits. The SPCA shares the increased socialization for the animals can have many positive impacts. It can help the animals feel more loved, calm, friendly, and even reduce their stress levels. Children too will benefit by being able to work on their literacy and reading skills, building self-esteem and confidence.
This year’s reading sessions are available in six packages as well as single sessions. Full-year packages for $150 is available for September 30, 2024 through August 30, 2025. A school year package for $100 is available for September 30, 2024 through June 14, 2025. There are also seasonal packages for $65 which run several weeks in fall, winter, spring, and summer. And new this year, there are single sessions available for $10 each.
Packages will include one reading session per week, available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., at the SPCA’s West Seneca shelter. Reading sessions are 30 minutes.
Space for reading sessions are limited, so parents and guardians are encouraged to register children early.
For more information on Tale for Two, including specific package dates and times and registration links, visit the SPCA website here.
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