Canine Compathy in Reading Model (CCRM) 2023
A Summary

Background

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'Compathy’ is a collective term which refers to the sharing of another’s feelings. ‘Compathy in reading’ refers to shared reading and listening practice, including the emotional connections readers make between themselves and literary characters. In ‘Canine Compathy in Reading’, the dog shares in, and contributes to this social practice.Learning to read is an affective or emotional process i.e., it depends to a great extent on emotional factors such as reduced reading anxiety, feelings of reading confidence and positive feelings towards books. Yet these factors are often overlooked in the teaching of reading.

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What is the CCRM?

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The CCRM incorporates the dynamic interplay that occurs when a calm, peaceful dog in introduced to a learning environment and children read to him/her.  A series of psychological, social and biological processes are initiated resulting in improved wellbeing and reading outcomes.  This results in an improved learning environment and ambiance that all can share in and benefit from.  In turn, children become more motivated to read, thus receiving more reading practice which supports the development of reading skill in time.

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Which psychological, social and biological processes are involved in the CCRM?

Wellbeing

• Increased calm

• Elevation of mood

• Increased sense of belonging and connection

• Increased empathy and tendency towards altruism

 

Reading Affect

• Reduced reading anxiety

• Increased reading confidence

• Improved attitudes towards reading

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Further CCRM Information and Detail

 

The CCRM is fully compatible with existing research and may be beneficial to practitioners and researchers alike.  Contact Dr Jill Steel at DrJillSteel@gmail.com or at Paws and Learn® for further information.