By Kaitlyn Ross
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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Georgia (WXIA) — Having a friend makes everything easier, especially when you’re doing something hard.
For kids learning to read at Bright Star Elementary School in Douglas County, that friend now has four legs, floppy ears, and a habit of nibbling on books.
Students at the school are getting a very unusual reading buddy. Two goats named Comet and Cosmo are helping children practice reading in a fun, relaxing, and a little bit silly way.
You may have heard of kids reading to dogs or even plants. But goats are a brand new twist.
Opening a book opens worlds for children. But reading out loud can also take courage and confidence.
Some students say reading in front of classmates can feel intimidating.
“Sometimes they’ll get distracted and talk to other friends, or they’ll criticize you about what you’re reading,” said student Ian Rainey.
That is where the goats come in.
Comet and Cosmo have become the school’s newest reading partners. Instead of an audience that might judge mistakes, students read to an animal that simply listens.
“It feels funny, but it’s like, oh, now you’re reading to something else,” said student Maria Jean.
Sometimes the goats curl up beside the students on beanbags. Other times, they wander over to investigate the pages.
And occasionally, they get a little hungry.
“They like to try to eat your book,” Ian said, laughing.
Media Specialist Elizabeth Shadix says the program is about giving students a safe place to practice reading.
“It’s important for them to be able to read without feeling like they’re doing it wrong,” Shadix said. “They’re told so many times in their life that they’re doing something incorrectly. It’s nice to just have that confidence booster to come in and read.”
According to the Georgia Council on Literacy, about 60 percent of third-grade students in the state are not reading at grade level. Programs like this are designed to help build confidence and encourage practice.
The goats may nibble on pages from time to time, but they never judge a mispronounced word.
“They can correct you when you’re wrong, but a goat, they just listen,” said student Raynie Causey. “They don’t think anything is wrong.”
Students say that simple difference makes reading feel calmer and more enjoyable.
“I feel like they actually know what I’m saying,” Raynie said.
Bright Star Elementary Principal Heather Fields says the idea was an easy decision when Shadix brought it forward.
“I love that Ms. Shadix always has innovative ways to encourage and engage students,” Fields said. “When she asked about getting Reading Goats, it was an immediate yes. Our students benefit, and that is what we are all about.”
Fields added that Shadix also leads another hands-on learning space at the school.
“Ms. Shadix also maintains our Bright Star garden. Literally, greatness grows here at Bright Star,” she said.
The school hopes the program is just the beginning. Leaders are working toward becoming an elementary agricultural school, similar to the district’s high school program.
With goats, chickens, and a garden, students are learning in a hands-on environment that blends agriculture, literacy, and confidence-building.
At Bright Star Elementary, reading is coming to life one page at a time and sometimes one nibble at a time.
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