“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!”
Story Dog Facts
- Story Dogs help over 2,725 children each week
- There are 541 current volunteer dog teams
- Story Dogs partners with 350 schools in NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS, WA, SA and ACT
- Story Dogs has 358 dog teams fully funded – that’s 66%
Learning to read is often less about intellectual limitation than about overcoming fears. “Fear can destroy intelligence,” says educator William Ayers. Animals are ideal reading companions because they promote relaxation and lower blood pressure, do not judge, laugh or criticise and allow children to proceed at their own pace.
Sponsorship
In November 2021, our Lions Club made a donation to sponsor a Story Dog for 12 months, here in South Australia. We look forward to sharing more with you soon.
If you’d like to find out more about the Story Dogs program, visit their official site here.
