Helen Woodward Animal Center's Paws and Pages

In order to take precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic, this program has several modifications and safety protocols in place, which were created based on CDC guidance. Policies are subject to change; please review this page carefully.

Helping Struggling Readers with Animals

Critters can help to create more confident readers!

2021 Program Dates
January 13
February 3
March 10
May 12
September 22
October 13
November 17
December 8

Perfect for kids in 1^st– 5^th Grade!

5 p.m.–6 p.m.

$10 per child (1 parent admitted free per child, additional adults are $5 each)

They say that practice makes perfect, and reading aloud is an important skill to master. But reading to other people can be nerve-wracking, which can make it difficult to practice. That is why we’ve recruited our animal ambassadors to lend a nonjudgmental ear to kids who want to become more confident readers. Struggling readers can improve their fluency skills by reading to animals! So grab your favorite book and get ready to read to and interact with some super cute animals!

2021 Session Details

January 13, March 10, September 22 and November 17: Participants will read to and interact with a reptile.

February 3, May 12, October 13 and December 8: Participants will read to and interact with a small mammal.

An animal interaction is included in the program, but the primary focus is on reading.

Species may vary depending on animal health, safety and availability.

Make sure to bring your own book from home!

Policies During COVID-19

Click here to carefully review the safety protocols (subject to change, last updated 7/14/21):

Masks & social distancing if you are vaccinated:
- Outside masks and social distancing aren’t required.
- Inside masks and social distancing are required if you are with children between 2 and 12 years of age.
  - Inside masks and social distancing are not required if you are with other vaccinated individuals.
Masks and social distancing if you are not vaccinated or any children between 2 and 12 years of age:
- Outside masks are required whenever social distancing between multiple households isn’t maintained (such as when playing games).
  - Outside masks are not required if you are social distancing from others (not needed if with your own household).
- Inside masks and social distancing are required at all times.
  - At some points social distancing may not be possible, such as when petting animals, but these instances will be kept short.
The program will be held outside as much as possible for ventilation.
- The program may go inside at times due to certain animal/activity requirements, or if the weather requires. When inside, all windows are open and the room has an H13 HEPA filtration unit.
- A maximum of 15 can be inside.
- Certain animals may not be available to be met due to needing to be indoors for presentations.
We will sanitize hands directly before and after using any shared items (such as petting animals).
Guests should not attend if anyone in their household has a fever or displays symptoms like coughing, sore throat or headache.

**Protocols are subject to change. Reach out to us at education@animalcenter.org if you have any questions or concerns