Bibliotherapy Workshops for Motivation to Read – „I am Your Dog, Read to me Aloud!“

Abstract

National Campaign for Persons with Reading Difficulties and Dyslexia „I Wish to Read Too!” (2016.-2019.) is organized by Croatian Library Association in co-organization with National and University Library and Zagreb City Libraries. Since 2017. Campaign includes programme Zita Reads „I am Your Dog, Read to me Aloud!“. This programme is initiated by Zagreb City Libraries in 2013. as a part of The Library Wide Open Doors Project which goals are to promote reading, lifelong learning and social inclusion of children with developmental disabilities and physically handicapped adults. Zagreb City Libraries organize R. E. A. D (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) workshops for reading to therapeutic (trained) dogs to help children in developing reading techniques and communication skills by reading dog method.

Programme „Zita Reads“ use bibliotherapeutical techniques and includes teamwork of public and school librarians, teachers, and professional school staff (pedagogue, psychologist, speech pathologist, teaching assistant). It's intended for the children up to 12 years of age who have speaking and language difficulties, emotional difficulties, attention and concentration difficulties and especially is shown effective for those with reading difficulties and dyslexia. Cycle of reading workshop are organized to help children to overcome fear of public appearance and improve reading techniques.