FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 6th, 2016
Cat Tales: A Summer Reading Program for Children at the SPCA of Wake County
Raleigh, NC: Two weeks ago, the SPCA of Wake County hosted its first session of Cat Tales: A Summer Reading Adventure for Children. This is a program where elementary schoolers can read to shelter cats in a judgement-free zone. It not only allows the children to gain confidence in their reading, but also helps the cats, that benefit from the company and attention.
It was launched after two rising high school seniors at Enloe High School, Alex Johnson and Savarni Sanka, approached the shelter earlier this year with the hopes of starting a program that would encourage both literacy and adoption. Cat Tales was initially planned to be six bi-weekly, hour-long sessions throughout the summer. Spots for the program filled up quickly so additional sessions have been added. With regards to the importance of the program, Ms. Johnson says: “Reading to cats helps the kids build confidence in their skills in a non-judgement zone. Not only is it extremely rewarding to see the kids so excited about reading, but it is also really adorable to see the kids read to cats!”
For Alex and Savarni, reading has always played an important role in their lives. The two first met in middle school when they participated in Battle of the Books, a literature-based competition. They believe that reading is empowering and love to share their passion for it with others. This past year, Alex tutored a first grader in reading through the YMCA’s Community Hope program. Savarni helped early readers through her volunteer work at a Spanish immersion preschool. Inspired by an article about children reading to shelter dogs, the girls spent time researching the topic and took their idea to the SPCA. The SPCA’s Outreach and Events manager, Amy Crum, was eager to help the students create and implement this amazing program.
Parents can sign their children up at this link: https://spcawake.org/kids-reading-to-cats/
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