There have been many creative ways to get children to read, and Story Dogs is one of them. Who knew that having a pet had such a significant impact on children? Story Dogs is an inspiring program that has made waves across Australia and is now giving more parents new ideas on how to teach their children to read.
What is Story Dogs?
Story Dogs is a not-for-profit reading support initiative program that tries to get children to read by providing a dog as a companion. So instead of reading alone, kids can read directly to the dog. The program operates across Australia and has started to grow in popularity as more people see how it benefits readers’ young minds.
The program is simple; the children can practice reading, with assistance, to a dog. While reading, the dog stays there and listens.
Why it works
One problem many children have when learning how to read is the pressure of getting it right. Although it’s sometimes hard to notice, parents can be a source of that pressure. When a parent constantly corrects their child and doesn’t allow them to make mistakes, this can affect their reading experience. If the experience worsens, the child might dread books or reading.
Story Dogs solves this by allowing your child to read to their furry friend. Instead of judgment or corrections, the dog listens to them, and the child can read at their own pace and learn in a kind and loving environment.
The importance of self-confidence
Story Dogs also promotes self-confidence by making the child want to read to the dog. Since the child is motivated to read about the dog, they are likelier to push themselves further and try reading independently.
The main goal is to help children to read and build the habit of reading. With regular schedules to read to dogs, the children might be inspired to study the book before reading. When a child gets excited and is not pressured, they are likelier to do their best, even when reading. Story Dogs gives them the motivation to learn how to read.
Why a calming environment is so important
Story Dogs also provides a calming environment where the child can learn how to read. Since the dogs are trained and well-behaved, children can feel like the dogs are listening to them without any added pressure.
Another thing that dogs provide is comfort. So far, Story Dogs has seen many children get comfortable and even lie on the dogs, using them as pillows. The dogs didn’t seem to mind and were calm while the child practiced their reading. Children that were hesitant at first can start practicing reading to dogs.
Wrapping it up
If you aren’t in Australia and cannot contact Story Dogs, you can also try out their practices and let your child read with your pets. If your pets are well-trained, ask your child to read to them calmly. The good thing about this practice is you don’t always have to be there.
You can use the Story Dogs method of encouraging children to read. But sometimes, the best way to teach a child is to give them a calm, safe, and inspiring environment, like with Story Dogs.
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