PAL at Home
Supporting reading at home with Paws and Learn®
How to read to Archie
'Call Archie' is the core component of PAL.
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To get started:
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1. Have a variety of books to choose from.
E.g., picture books, information books, stories, comic books.
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2. Reduce distractions.
Turn off the TV, Radio, Phones.
3. Create a comfy reading spot.
A couple of ‘reading cushions’ and/or a soft throw will do!
4. Call Archie!
Reading to a family pet
In the home, PAL may be used alongside reading to a suitable family pet.
If you already have a family dog that likes to lie quietly in the company of children then they may make a good reading companion.
Similarly, if you have another pet (e.g., cat, guinea pig, goldfish) that might enjoy being read to, and is safe to be around (see guidance on risk and welfare below), there is no reason not to consider this.
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But please bear in mind…
Not every pet is suitable for being read to. Please ensure the animal enjoys lying peacefully in close proximity with the child, is happy to be read to, and has complete freedom to move away if and when they choose.
It is important that children feel the animal is enjoying their reading. This increases reading confidence and reduces reading anxiety.
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How to support your child's reading
PAL is all about getting children to feel positive about books and reading, and to reduce reading anxiety.
Nothing matters more than reading enjoyment!
Why?
Research shows that…
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…when children enjoy reading they read more often. Children who read more, gain more practice, and improve in reading skill.
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…reading anxiety is a massive barrier to learning that can persist throughout life.
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…wellbeing can be supported by reading and looking at books.
Important points
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Don’t correct mistakes…they don’t matter in PAL. Interrupting and correcting a child only encourages reading anxiety.
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Don’t criticise…improvement in skill will come when children begin to read more often.
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Don’t encourage competition e.g. comparing children’s reading interest, skill or number of books read with others. Reading is not a sporting competition!
Risk and welfare
Risks associated with live animals include allergies, phobias, hygiene concerns and injury (to both humans and animals). Please ensure you are fully aware of any that may affect you, your child or pet, and act responsibly in respect of both humans and animals at all times.
Children can be taught responsible behaviour around animals. See https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/children-and-dogs for guidance.
Responsible pet ownership is everyone’s responsibility. See https://www.battersea.org.uk/about-us/news/how-can-we-all-be-responsible-pet-owners for guidance.
Merchandise to purchase
(under development)
Purchase PAL products here.