When children read to a dog, the outcomes are amazing!
It is a non-judgemental setting, the children's focus improves, their literacy skills increase and their confidence soars. The accepting, loving nature of dogs gives this program its magic and helps children relax, open up, try harder and have fun while reading to a friendly, calm dog. Woof!
Help Us Do More
Not all children ‘get’ reading. For some it takes a bit longer. Unfortunately our education systems are not all resourced to pick up the ones falling behind. Regular one-on-one reading sessions are often the best way to help a child become a confident lifelong reader. This is what Story Dogs delivers; but also so much more with the loving nature of a wonderful dog and caring volunteer.
$25
a Story Dogs Reading Rug.
This special rug denotes the reading space, this safe space for the child and dog. One is given free to all volunteers starting.
$100
A set of engaging, colourful children’s books.
Story Dogs uses specific books chosen for their use of rhyming, fun story line and repetitive or engaging text. These books are the cornerstone of the reading session. One set (6) is given free to all volunteers starting.
$42/
month
Just over a dollar a day will put a Dog Team into a school for a year, helping 5 local children become confident lifelong readers.
We help over
2855*
children each week.
There are
571
current volunteer Dog Teams
We partner with
397
schools in NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS, WA, SA and ACT.
We have
459
Dog Teams fully funded; this is 80%.
*approximate numbers
To make reading fun for children, so they become confident lifelong readers.
No child should be left behind in literacy.
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.
Call Janine (Managing Director)
*All indigenous names and places were sourced from the local Council of each Region.
Header photos by White Shadow Photography with this link https://www.whiteshadowphotography.com.au/