This Is Iowa: Personalized teddy bears help give first graders the confidence to learn

Learning to read can be difficult for students, and teachers know that confidence is key.To help give them confidence, the first graders in Eagle Grove each have their own reading buddy that listens to them during reading time.Deb Townsend hand-sews personalized teddy bears, making sure each one is as unique as the 7-year-olds who get them. She started her passion project when her daughter became a teacher and shared with her the stories of the struggles so many kids face.This school year, Townsend made teddy bears for every first grader in Eagle Grove and Humboldt, plus more for entire classes in Webster City and Grundy Center. She made 1,600 teddy bears in total. Teachers tell Townsend that reading scores have improved since her gift."I know, I'd be foolish to say reading buddies was the only reason why, but I do think it helps. I really do," Townsend said.You can view more This Is Iowa stories here.