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Local program pairs students with shelter animals to boost reading confidence
Summary
A volunteer program at Citrus County’s animal shelter—referred to on air as 'Can I Read to You'—pairs Central Ridge Elementary students with shelter animals; teachers and children said the program builds reading confidence and motivates students to pick up books.
Citrus County’s on‑air segment highlighted a volunteer reading program at the county animal shelter called "Can I Read to You," which pairs elementary students with shelter animals to practice reading aloud and build confidence.
A program advocate said the initiative "started with Jennifer Waterman." An unnamed third‑grade teacher at Central Ridge Elementary described taking students to the shelter every other week, saying parents reported improved reading at the end of the year. Children who participated described reading to the animals and feeling calm and encouraged by the nonjudgmental environment.
Speakers said the program incentivizes students to read by offering a welcoming setting and noted observed improvements in student reading confidence. The segment offered anecdotal accounts from teachers, parents and students but did not provide independent evaluation data or program scale (number of participants or frequency beyond the "every other week" reference).
