Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Year 7 student Sara is benefiting from reading sessions with Story Dog Lucky and his owner, Ron.
Year 7 student Sara has never felt comfortable reading in front of her class.
The Lanyon High School student would avoid it at all costs. That is, until her mother discovered the Story Dogs program at Libraries ACT.
The program is ideal for reluctant readers or those facing reading challenges.
It pairs a student with a trained dog and their volunteer owner, creating a relaxed, supportive environment for reading aloud.
Sara attends Tuggeranong Library on Friday afternoons to read to Lucky, a 21-month-old golden retriever.
‘I like the experience and since I don’t generally like reading in front of other people, I like reading in front the dog,” Sara said.
“It makes the experience a bit calmer. I am happy to keep doing this for a while.”
After only two sessions, Sarah’s mum, Rae, has noticed a difference.
“At school she always refused to talk in front of the class, but I have definitely seen a change,” Rae said.
“She finds the dog listens. It doesn’t judge and it’s fun. She might now associate the dog with talking out loud and this has really helped for someone who refuses to stand up and read.”
During her session, Lucky rests by Sara as she makes her way through a pile of story books.
Though concentrating hard, she touches and pats him as she reads.
Lucky’s owner, Ron, a retired public servant, listens but remains quiet.
“It’s great doing this. Last week, we had a little girl come in who is dyslexic and she just sat there on the rug with Lucky and held onto him the whole time. She started off a bit hesitant but after a minute she was right. It really calmed both her and him. Lucky is new to this too, so they were both learning at the same time,” Ron said.
“I used to coach football, so I know the satisfaction of being able to teach kids.”
The Story Dogs program is available for children aged 7–12 at Tuggeranong, Dickson and Gungahlin libraries.
Each child gets 20 minutes of one-on-one reading time with a Story Dog, under the watchful eye of a friendly volunteer like Ron.
Students who feel anxious or stressed during learning activities can find the presence of a furry friend reassuring.
Reading to a Story Dog can:
- promote relaxation
- lower blood pressure
- eliminate fear of judgement
- allow children to learn at their own pace.
“It’s wonderful to see the progress and you get as much out of it yourself as for anyone else,” Ron said.
Story Dogs sessions require bookings and are held during school terms at:
- Gungahlin Library: Wednesdays, 4:00pm to 5:20pm
- Dickson Library: Fridays, 4:00pm to 5:20pm
- Tuggeranong Library: Fridays, 4:00pm to 5:20pm.
Registrations open seven days in advance.
Further resources
Register your child for a Story Dog session
Canberra dog-owners interested in volunteering with the program can contact Story Dogs.
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