Lots of children have been asking about what a ‘Reading Therapy Dog’ actually does – below is some useful information to read.

Why will we have a Reading Dog?

Reading to dogs has been proven to help children develop literacy skills and build confidence, through both the calming effect the dogs’ presence has on children and the fact that the dog will listen to the children read without being judgemental or critical. This comforting environment helps to nurture children’s enthusiasm for reading and provides them with the confidence needed to read aloud.

When dogs are in a room of children trying to read they become less stressed. Children are less self-conscious and more confident because dogs are non-judgemental. If children are partnered with a dog to read to, the dog provides comfort, encourages positive social behaviour, enhances self-esteem, motivates speech and inspires children to have fun and enjoy the experience of reading.