They have their very own special fuzzy reading buddies at Braelinn Elementary where 1st graders enjoyed a “pet adoption” day.

On the special day, every 1st grader chose the stuffed animal they liked best. Then they filled out applications and certificates and promised to love and read to their pets every day. Each student was given a reading log to record minutes and books read each evening to their pet.

“Our hope is that this will build confidence and encourage our students to read independently,” said teacher Holli Huelfer. “We want them to have a purpose for reading and an audience that loves every minute!”