he Nuts and Bolts

The dogs

Learning to read is often less about intellectual limitation than about overcoming fears. “Fear can destroy intelligence,” says educator William Ayers. Animals are ideal reading companions because they promote relaxation and lower blood pressure, do not judge, laugh or criticise and allow children to proceed at their own pace.

The volunteers

Story Dogs handlers are volunteers trained to teach emergent readers. This ensures the handler will not judge the child and will help in a non threatening way. We are fully insured and our handlers have 'Working With Children' checks as per each states regulations.

Which children are chosen for the program?

The children are usually Year 2 students generally between the ages 7- 8 years old who are chosen by the school. Story Dogs does not assess the children in any way as the sessions are designed to be as non-threatening as possible. We rely on assessment results taken throughout the year by the school. Parental consent is required before a child can participate in the program.

Students love the experience and do not really think that it is actually a learning task; just fun!