Pioneer Elementary School first-graders had two guests dressed all in plumes and ornate hats during their reading time on Thursday.

Gracie and Raphael spend their mornings every Thursday at Pioneer, and the poodles sit in their classrooms while the students read aloud to them. Karri Bodah, the dogs’ handler, joins the dogs and encourages the students.

“I’m not here just for you to pet the dogs. I’m here to help you learn,” Bodah said to students once they finished reading. “You guys are getting better all the time.”

This is the second year Bodah has been coming to Pioneer to assist with the first grade. Having the dogs in the classroom help students become more confident in their reading skills. The teachers have noticed a difference in their students after having Gracie and Raphael attend the classes.

“It has really been building up their confidence,” said first-grade teacher Shelby Christenson.

Bodah is accompanied by former educator, Paula Dozier. Dozier helps handle the dogs and manage the classroom with Bodah.

Not only do the children have the company of the poodles during class time but also they let their imagination run wild when the dogs come. Bodah has constructed a narrative around the dogs and their outfits that helps the students learn about different cultures.

The plumed outfits that both dogs had on represented their magical trip to Mumbai, India, and Bodah tells stories of all of the dogs’ trips. Their trips are possible because of, “gears and feathers,” according to Bodah.

“Their outfits will tell you tales of their travels,” Bodah said. “It is supposed to teach you about where they have been.”

Bodah not only helps the children with their confidence but also teaches them different languages. Raphael understands only German commands, and that prompted Bodah to teach the children a few German words every few weeks.

When the dogs depart, the kids tell them, “Auf Wiedersehen,” which means goodbye in German.

During her last visit, Bodah began teaching the children sign language. She showed them how to say please and thank you, and she encouraged the kids to use it during their regular classroom time.

“If you ever meet someone that is deaf and you have the ability to communicate with them, it makes them feel more normal,” Bodah said.

Bodah has been coming to Pioneer due to her involvement with Listening Ears. The program is based on having children reading in a less threatening environment to make it more enjoyable.