It’s official. I’ve become a dog person. I don’t know exactly how or when, but I’ve gone from that child begging for a cat, to an adult having an exuberant Staffy and even fostering additional dogs.
Not that I’m complaining.
So, it only seemed fitting that this month we became involved in the Story Dogs program at school.
Story Dogs is a wonderful initiative aimed at building kids’ reading confidence in a non-judgmental environment. Did I mention dogs were involved?
That’s right – children (through their school) are selected to spend some time with a four-legged visitor and read to them. I believe there are also doggy treats and plenty of furry snuggles involved.
The Story Dogs mission is: “To make reading fun for children, so they become confident lifelong readers.”
Bringing the magic: why it works
When children read to a dog, the outcomes are amazing. It is a non-judgemental setting, the children’s focus improves, their literacy skills increase and their confidence soars. The accepting, loving nature of dogs gives this program its magic and helps children relax, open up, try harder and have fun while reading to a friendly, calm dog. Woof! – from the Story Dogs website
Ways to get involved
There are plenty of ways to get involved in this program, including volunteering with your own pooch, monetary donations, or bringing Story Dogs to your school.
If you’d like to learn more about Story Dogs, head to their website, or check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
Book and dogs; you can’t go wrong. Unless homework-eating is involved, I guess.
About Me:
Jayne is an Australian children’s writer represented by Golvan Arts Management. She is currently pitching her manuscripts – filled with magic, wordplay, and mystery – to publishers.
When she’s not dreaming up new stories, she’s spending time with her family (including her energetic & loveable Staffy dog) on the beautiful Sunshine Coast and working her day job in marketing.
Jayne McIntyre Author 