In a heart-warming initiative that’s not just changing the lives of primary school-aged children but also winning the hearts of the community, Sunshine Beach State School continues to embrace Story Dogs into its reading program. These furry, four-legged reading companions are making a profound impact on young readers, by providing a non-judgmental, supportive and attentive audience. To show their thanks, students from SBSS hold an annual Odd Sock Day as a fund raiser to support the wonderful organisation that has supported so many of their students.
‘Story Dogs’ is a non-profit program that started in Murwillumbah, NSW in 2009 by Leah Sheldon and Janine Sigley. At the time both Leah and Janine had primary school aged children and after seeing a similar program operating in the USA on the internet, they decided Australia needed such a program. They came up with Story Dogs, based on the successful American literacy program, Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) which was the first comprehensive literacy program built around the appealing idea of children and young adolescents reading to dogs.
The Story Dogs program pairs primary school-aged children with dogs to boost the children’s reading confidence. For many students, especially those who may be struggling or are reluctant readers, reading to a dog offers a judgment-free, pressure-free, and joyful experience. The dogs don’t interrupt or judge a child’s reading capacity; instead, they provide unconditional support, a receptive audience, and a sense of companionship.
The program has seen remarkable success at Sunshine Beach State School, where it is being enthusiastically embraced. Principal Alison Welch says, “At Sunshine Beach State School, we believe in nurturing not just academic excellence but also building confidence and a love for reading in our students. Story Dogs is an invaluable addition to our approach, especially for children who may require some extra support. These dogs are not just companions; they are catalysts for self-assurance and a love of reading. The students also very much enjoy the positive connections they make with the volunteers.”
What makes the program even more special is the involvement of volunteers from the community who bring their beloved dogs to the school. These individuals generously donate their time to support the educational development of Sunshine Beach State School students. The school administration and staff wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to these dedicated community members for their selfless contribution.
Sharyl Walsh, a local volunteer who brings her dogs, Baxta and Indya, to Sunshine Beach State School for the Story Dogs program, shares her experience: “Seeing the kids light up when they read to Baxta and Indya is incredibly rewarding. We, as volunteers, feel blessed to be a part of this initiative. The positive impact on these young readers is evident, and we’re thrilled to be able to play a role in building their confidence and love for reading.”
Story Dogs isn’t just about improving reading skills; it’s about empowering primary school-aged children with the belief that they can be successful readers. By providing a safe and supportive environment, it helps children build their literacy skills and self-esteem simultaneously.
Research has shown that Story Dogs can enhance children’s reading fluency, comprehension, and overall literacy. By offering a stress-free reading experience, the program encourages children to take risks, ask questions, and develop a deeper connection with books. This holistic approach to reading can have a profound impact on a child’s academic journey and future success.
