KENNEBUNK – The Animal Welfare Society is introducing a brand-new literary program for elementary school-aged children called Rescue Readers.

The Rescue Readers program brings students and animals awaiting adoption at AWS in Kennebunk together for a half hour of literary-based confidence building through reading aloud. While providing enrichment and positive socialization for the animal, it boosts confidence in children, and gives students a safe space to build a positive association with reading.

Brie Roche, AWS Humane Educator is the creator of Rescue Readers.

“Reading can be a big challenge for students, and even more so, reading out loud to peers can be a scary undertaking. As a Rescue Reader, students will have the opportunity to practice their reading to the best crowd they could ask for — animals,” Roche said. “Research has shown that practicing reading to animals boosts a reader’s confidence, makes their practice time more effective, and in turn, boosts their reading skills.

“I’ll be there to guide the students with reading comprehension and help them make the most of their time at AWS,” she said.

This program will be mutually beneficial to the students and the animals at AWS, Roche said.

“Being read to gives animals a calm, positive space in the often stressful and bustling shelter environment. The interaction allows pets to build positive relationships with children (who nervous dogs often may see as particularly scary),” she said. “Similar programs have been implemented in shelters across the country and have had overwhelmingly positive results for both children and animals.”

Students interested in Rescue Readers, along with their parents, must first complete an orientation session with Roche. During the orientation, students will get an overview of the program and learn basic body language for both cats and dogs.

After completing the orientation, students will receive a Certified Rescue Reader badge. As Certified Rescue Readers, they will be welcome to come to the drop in reader hours (Tuesdays 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

As with most AWS Youth programs, Rescue Readers will follow the RSU school calendar and will not be offered on snow days, holidays or vacation days.

Parents can register their children for the program by visiting http://animalwelfaresociety.org/youth/literacy/

Engaging books with a variety of reading levels will be used exclusively for this program, Roche has selected books that share the same messages of empathy and kindness to animals (and each other!) that are pivotal to the Youth Program’s humane education mission.

Community members interested in contributing to the program by purchasing books from the pre-approved book list should contact Kerrie Leclair at 985-3244 ext. 123.

Teaching compassion is an important part of AWS’ mission. Through a variety of fun youth programs, AWS provides engaging humane education curriculums for children of all ages. Through these programs, AWS Humane Educator creatively and interactively shares the importance of spaying and neutering, long-term commitment to a pet, kind animal treatment, proper pet care and more.

For more information about AWS, visit www.http://animalwelfaresociety.org/