It's non-judgemental, children's focus improves, literacy skills increase and confidence soars. The non-judgmental, loving nature of dogs gives this program its magic and helps children relax, open up, try harder and have fun reading to a friendly and calm dog. Story Dogs is based on the successful American literacy program Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) www.therapyanimals.org/R.E.A.
D.html. The R.E.A.D program was launched in 1999 in Utah USA, as the first comprehensive literacy program built around the appealing idea of children and young adolescents reading to dogs. Reading sessions take place in a quiet area of the school grounds, such as the library or outside the classroom. A reading session is approximately 20 minutes long, where each child is one-on-one with the dog team. Books are chosen to suit the student´s reading level. During the session, the handler often speaks through the dog, such as; “Sam doesn't understand what is happening on this page, could you help him out?” The child becomes the teacher; and their confidence soars! Our volunteers come with fun, interesting books, specifically chosen for the reading level of each child. The students also have input into what they read. We encourage the students to write letters to the dogs at home, thereby encouraging literacy skills.
