Dogs help lick reading difficulties

The calming presence of dogs is helping students at Sunshine Beach State School to read – and has highlighted the program during Book Week being held from 19-25 August.
Teacher Jo Kearney said the Story Dog program was primarily designed for students who have reading challenges with the goal being to make reading fun for children so that they become confident, lifelong readers.
“There is much research indicating that children who read extensively have greater academic success,” Jo said.
“Many children enjoy reading but need some encouragement and someone or in this case something to listen to them, a captive audience who will not mind if an error or hesitations are made. Reading to dogs is exactly that.
“A dog creates an environment, which feels more relaxing, and welcoming so reluctant readers are more confident and comfortable to give it a go and read.”
The practice originated in the US in 1999 with the Reading Education Assistance Scheme and this initiative now extends to a number of other countries. The program is organised at the school in connection with Smart Pups, a program which trains pups to become assistance dogs for children with special needs and which is supported by the school.
“Story Dogs is an extraordinary program introduced to Sunshine Beach State School earlier this year. We selected some of our reluctant readers who have evolved into readers excited to come out and read to their special dog,” she said.