Lending a paw: Story Dogs bridge the gap for struggling readers

GEELONG Regional Libraries has again played host to a team of dedicated canine volunteers hoping to help local children improve their literacy skills.

The popular Story Dogs program allows children to read to a specially trained companion dog and its handler in a relaxed and supportive environment with the goal of building reading and communication skills.

Story Dogs’ Geelong co-ordinator Karen Knuckey said the program’s volunteer dogs provide children with a “calm, non-judgemental audience” and hope to “entice more children to engage in reading”.

“We aim to make reading fun for children, so they become confident lifelong readers.

The literacy program is targeted toward children aged eight and older, and the sessions at Geelong Regional Libraries feature small groups of no more than six participates.

Handlers will often speak through the dog during sessions.

They may say, “Charlie (the dog) doesn’t understand what is happening on this page, could you help him out?”, giving children the opportunity to become the teacher.

This fosters both comprehension and confidence.

Geelong Regional Libraries chief executive Vanessa Schernickau said literacy skills could be developed in children in “so many different ways”.

“Our role as a public library service is not just to encourage children who already love books and reading, but to embrace the many ways children can boost literacy skills and enjoy the magic of stories and books.

“Story Dogs is an incredible opportunity to read with dogs in a non-judgemental setting and nurture a love of reading – especially in children who may have challenges with their reading.

“These sessions have been booked out so far, so make sure you check on our website or social media and book ahead for upcoming sessions.”

The Story Dogs program has long been a fixture across the region, with volunteer pups and their handlers regularly working with primary schools across Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast.

For more information, head to grlc.vic.gov.au