Reading With Horses
Gentle Carousel’s Reading With Horses literacy programs inspire young readers inside schools, libraries, with mentoring programs, at literacy events and at education resource centers in high crime neighborhoods with a focus on at-risk readers. Gentle Carousel’s Reading With Horses is celebrating 25 years of reading in 2024.
Individual Gentle Carousel therapy horses are featured in many books by different authors and publishers. After children read a book, the ACTUAL character from the story visits the school to “bring the book to life”.
Gentle Carousel’s Reading With Horses provides grade appropriate books and activities for students from Pre-K to 5th grade. The program was developed by a school principal and other professional educators.
Gentle Carousel’s Reading With Horses provides grade appropriate books and activities for students from Pre-K to 5th grade. The program was developed by a school principal and other professional educators.
Gentle Carousel’s Reading with Horses was voted on by the school board of Marion County Public Schools and is part of the official curriculum for their elementary schools. In partnership with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (Ocala CEP) it is a one of a kind program in the Horse Capital of the World®.
Little Hero Horse Magic is a sworn officer with the Ocala Police Department. She reads her book Officer Magic Is My Friend with fellow officers at community outreach programs.
Little Hero Horse Magic is a sworn officer with the Ocala Police Department. She reads her book Officer Magic Is My Friend with fellow officers at community outreach programs.
“When children experience the miniature therapy horse program, they develop skills in social awareness and forming relationships, which are two components of socio-emotional learning. Children can learn how to have empathy and practice kindness and caring for animals and humans as well as develop their literacy skills.
Children of all ages are highly motivated to learn about animals. Horses, in particular, are fascinating animals that children love to see, hear, touch, and then describe through speaking, listening, reading and writing. Miniature therapy horses are very appealing and even more fascinating because they are the perfect size for children to interact with.
“When children experience the miniature therapy horse program, they develop skills in social awareness and forming relationships, which are two components of socio-emotional learning. Children can learn how to have empathy and practice kindness and caring for animals and humans as well as develop their literacy skills.
Children of all ages are highly motivated to learn about animals. Horses, in particular, are fascinating animals that children love to see, hear, touch, and then describe through speaking, listening, reading and writing. Miniature therapy horses are very appealing and even more fascinating because they are the perfect size for children to interact with.
“I believe that teaching children and adults to respect and love animals is important to both individuals and society. My “Be Kind to Animals” after school class with middle school students influenced many inner city students to develop positive relationships with all animals. My volunteer literacy work with Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses continues my education path with children and adults and animals in Florida communities.”
