Story time at Humane Society in Fort Mill

Armed with their favorite books, students at Pleasant Knoll Elementary School took a field trip to the Humane Society of York County on Wednesday.

The 40 students in grades two through five sat in front of dog cages or in the cat lounge at the shelter and read aloud to the animals. Some read about a favorite book canine named Meli, or about former presidential candidate Ben Carson. Another student read “Big Cat, Little Cat,” a book that highlights the similarities between lions and their smaller counterparts, house cats.

The trip was a reward for these students, who once struggled with reading but have improved their skills “exponentially” over the last year by having 30 minutes of extra instruction each day, said Erin Jones, one of the school’s reading and math specialists. Reading to their captive audience at the shelter will no doubt improve their confidence, Jones said.

“The kids were thrilled that they had the dogs’ and cats’ undivided attention,” she said. “The little girls especially were playing teachers with the animals, holding the books up to show the animals the pictures. It was so heartwarming. Every teacher that was there cried.”

The field trip gave purpose to the students’ reading, but also taught them the importance of volunteering. The group brought donations of dog and cat food to the shelter.

“They were very proud to bring their donations in,” Jones said. “They were so pleased that they were able to contribute and do their part.”

Jones said the school hopes to visit the shelter annually from now on. But children don’t have to be Pleasant Knoll students to participate in the program: the shelter started its Paws to Read program earlier this year and children may read to the animals each Thursday after school from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Individuals and small groups are welcome. Adult supervision is required for children under 16.

Jones said she plans on organizing a book drive at Pleasant Knoll to donate used books to the shelter for other participating children to read to the animals.

In addition to improving their reading skills and creating excitement about reading, Paws to Read teaches children to care for animals, to be kind to them and to have empathy for them, organizers say. The program benefits the animals, who sometimes endure stress and a lengthy stay at the no-kill shelter.

“Listening to children read calms stressed or fearful animals and helps them become more comfortable – and adoptable – with visitors. This program benefits both the children and the animals,” said shelter Director Becca Boronat.

The Humane Society of York County is located at 8177 Regent Parkway in Fort Mill. For details about Paws to Read, email Lori Ochsner at llochsner@gmail.com or call 803-517- 9916.

This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 7:29 PM with the headline "Story time at Humane Society in Fort Mill."