Dogs can aid children's reading skills

Children can improve their reading skills by reading aloud to dogs, researchers have found.* 

Reading programmes have been introduced in countries including America, Canada, Poland, Japan and will soon arrive in the UK. By reading out loud in front of a dog, a child's confidence can improve. Psychologists feel this research echoes previous studies which show that pets can improve a child’s self-esteem.

The Blue Cross has a growing nationwide network of trained volunteers who speak to classes of children in primary schools and youth groups. To ensure we offer the best possible service, the education team works closely with schools and provides education resources, including a curriculum-linked programme for primary schools.

Blue Cross education officer Tracy Genever says: "In our own education programme, many of our volunteers have temperament tested dogs that they are able to bring into schools when they talk to the children about responsible pet ownership and respect for animals. We find that by using the right techniques, the presence of a well-behaved dog can help to focus the children's attention and help the learning process."

Visit the teacher's education area for further information and to download the resources.

* Source: Sunday Times, December 17 2006