First grade students across the Coeur d’Alene school district received free plush puppies this week, thanks to the Paws and Pages reading program. Each student’s eyes lit up as they hugged their new furry friends, who will motivate them to meet their reading goals this year.

The Paws and Pages program is a revival of a prior reading program in the district, made possible through a partnership between Parker Automotive and the EXCEL Foundation. Representatives from Parker and EXCEL delivered 650 plush puppies to classrooms this week.

“We hope to continue this for many years to come,” said Katie Morris Roe from the EXCEL Foundation. “Hopefully it's instilling a love of reading for their entire lives, it’s pretty impressive what a little stuffed animal can do to motivate these kids”

The plush puppies will be integrated into the first grade reading program throughout the year. Natalie Sozzoni, first grade teacher at Skyway Elementary, said her students will read to their plush reading buddies every day.

“Anytime they have reading, they go grab their book tub. They can get their puppy and go cuddle up somewhere in the classroom,” Sozzoni said. "It’s a big motivator for reading, and first grade is so important for foundational skills for reading.”

Throughout the year, the reading buddies will motivate students to reach reading goals and develop their skills, Sozzoni said. 

Student’s progress will be assessed according to the state curriculum through the Idaho Reading Indicator. As they meet grade-level reading goals, students will earn accessories for their puppies such as leashes and blankets. 

“My son, who is now a sophomore in high school, still has his reading puppy, he hasn’t got rid of it,” Sozzoni said. “I would say it’s something that holds a special place in their hearts.”

Hayden Barton, first grader at Skyway Elementary, named his puppy “Max,” and said he is excited to read “Lego books” to his new reading buddy. His classmate, Hannah Foster, had not decided on a name yet, but said she was excited to read “Rapunzel” to her puppy.

“She looks like she’s smiling at me,” Foster said, hugging her new puppy tightly. 

“He’s so soft,” Barton said about his own puppy.

Adrienne Drummen, another first grader at Skyway Elementary, named her puppy “Sprinkles.” She also said she was excited to read to her new friend.

“It looks like my dog at home,” she said.

This year, the plush puppies were purchased from Well-Read Moose, and the dog tags were made by Custom Den. 

"I have heard nothing but great things about this program," said Matt Hague, an EXCEL Foundation board member. “Having the puppy as a reading buddy, as well as earning rewards for the puppy throughout the year, keeps the students engaged and obviously leaves a lasting impression."

    First grade students at Skyway Elementary Harper Baker and Catherine Hardy receive reading buddies from Coty Cummings from Parker Automotive.
  

    First grade students at Skyway Elementary Catherine Hardy and Harper Baker with their new reading buddies.