On March 29th 2023, we launched our Reading Buddies Program, and the program has been a huge success. We offer new reading buddies monthly, during special events and we also bring them to schools in Orléans. This innovative program harnesses the unique charm and comfort of stuffed animals to revolutionize the way children engage with reading. Stuffed animals, as it turns out, are not just cuddly companions; they are also excellent reading buddies for children.

Did you know that stuffed animals are wonderful reading buddies for children?

 

  • Firstly, they provide a sense of comfort and security for kids, helping them feel more relaxed and focused while reading.
  • Stuffed animals can serve as non-judgmental listeners, allowing children to read at their own pace and without fear of making mistakes.
  • Reading to a stuffed animal can help improve children’s literacy skills by encouraging them to practice their reading aloud, and by fostering a love of reading and books.
  • In fact, research has shown that using stuffed animals as reading buddies can lead to significant improvements in reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary.
  • Overall, incorporating stuffed animals into reading time is a simple but effective way to promote literacy and help children develop important reading skills.

On October 2024, we had already offered a total of 708 reading buddies!