Reading with Cosmo at Madison Heights Library Helps Kids Read and Therapy Dog Learn
(Lara Mossa, Feb. 20, 2024)
MADISON HEIGHTS, MI – Next time you go to the library, don’t be surprised if you’re greeted by a little dog with silky dark hair and big black soulful eyes. She is the star of the Madison Heights Public Library series Reading with Cosmo.
Held on the third Thursday of each month, young children and people of all ages read to this gentle dog, who was named Cosmo because she has a white spot on her chest in the shape of a star.
“It’s important to let the student control the situation, so they are better put at ease,” said Jennifer Nagle, a Madison Heights resident who owns the dog and volunteers at the library.
Children and even grown up patrons use their own book or one from the library to practice reading out loud. From 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the sessions provide a supportive environment for young children and adults who want to practice and feel comfortable reading.
“It’s super low pressure, and the kids can always take a break and play with the pup,” Nagle said.
Besides playing with the puppy on a sofa or bean bag chair, the students receive some guidance from Nagle herself, who is certified to teach sixth- through 12th– grades in history, English and theater. Nagle works in IT now but misses her teaching days, she said.
Cosmo, who is 6 years old, is a poodle mix weighing 17 pounds. Nagle is training her to be a therapy dog according to the guidelines set by the American Kennel Club.
“They get to make the choices and set the pace and decide how they want to move forward,” Nagle said of the young readers. “That’s so important in teaching a love of learning.”
Elderly patrons are soothed by the dog and young teachers can gain more confidence reading out loud by participating, Nagle said.
“It lets the kid be in the position as the storyteller,” she added. “The importance of play in learning cannot be overstated.”
The program started a little less than a year ago.
“I think it’s great,” said Heather Hames, library coordinator. “Cosmo is extremely sweet and very friendly…Kids who are still learning to read who might be hesitant to read out loud get a chance to read in a comfortable space with a dog, and it really helps build their confidence.”
No registration is required to participate.
For more information, call the library at 248-588-7763 or go to the websites: http://www.madison-heights.org/calendar.aspx?CID=33; https://www.facebook.com/mhlibrary; or https://www.madison-heights.org/library.
