POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County woman is helping some little students learn how to read.
Tracey Stephens is doing it with the help of a great big dog.
Each Monday, Stephens takes her big black Newfoundland named Teddy to Sikes Elementary School where she goes to the library to volunteer as a reading coach. Stephens has set up a huge dog bed in the corner of the library for Teddy.
Each Monday, Stephens takes her big black Newfoundland named Teddy to Sikes Elementary School, where she goes to the library to volunteer as a reading coach. Stephens has set up a huge dog bed in the corner of the library for Teddy.
“Not to do a product placement,” said Stephens. “But you need a big barker.” As soon as Stephens spread out a blanket on the bed, Teddy got right on it to lie down. “He was like oh, this is where the bed is. So exciting,” Stephens said.
Stephens works with the students one at a time. The reason for having Teddy there is to make it a fun, relaxing environment. Teddy always stays very calm, and the students sit on the dog bed with Teddy and Stephens while they work on their reading skills.
Sometimes the students pet Teddy while they read. “I think he just brings down the temperature a little bit because he’s not overly excited. Ha, ha, ha,” said Stephens.
Helping the children with their reading skills is a rewarding experience for Stephens. “I think it’s great fun. I love to hear them use their voice and get stronger and more confident in their reading,” she said.
Principal Lindsey Leskis appreciates Stephens’ gentle approach with the students. “She spends the time to talk to them and learn their interests and really get them excited about reading and they just love Teddy,” she said.
Stephens sometimes provides the students with small gifts for their hard work. On a recent Monday, she had a gift-wrapped book for student Kaydence James that said it was from Teddy.
Rick Elmhorst
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