An initiative that helps children to improve their reading skills while surrounded by lovable dogs is looking
for new volunteers.
Story Dogs is a program designed to make reading fun for primary school children to ensure that no child is left behind in literacy.
Maree Keating and her Golden Retriever Jasmine (pictured) joined the program in 2021 after reading a story in
My Weekly Preview.
The Caloundra Story Dogs coordinator says the accepting, loving nature of dogs gives the program its ‘magic’ and helps children relax, open up, try harder and have fun while reading.
“The children look forward to their Story Dog sessions each week,” Ms Keating says.
“The individual attention and encouragement that students receive from the Story Dogs and their owners has the most reluctant readers fully engaged.
“We have schools lining up to join the program, but we need more volunteers to fill the gaps.
“I recently met a woman who told me that her son had read to a Story Dog and that he no longer hated reading and, as a result, was doing much better in school.”
Volunteers will receive training and must be able to give two hours per week for the school year, while dogs will be required to pass an accreditation test.
For more information, call Ms Keatingon 0403 774 640.
