Help a child learn to read
Because every Australian child deserves to be able to read
Reading Support Program for All of Australia
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!
Dive into the heart warming world of Story Dogs with our BRAND NEW video!
Curious about what Story Dogs is all about? Prepare to be enchanted as we unveil the magic behind this extraordinary program that's changing lives, one tail-wagging tale at a time! Help us spread the love for literacy by sharing, following and liking on social! Let's make a difference, one story at a time!
Thanks to our wonderful supporters at
Pressroom Partners who made this video possible
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.
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.
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.
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 2785 children every week to become confident lifelong readers.
We help over
2785
children each week.
There are
557
current volunteer Dog Teams
We partner with
393
schools in NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS, WA, SA, NT and ACT.
We have
63
dog teams who are looking for sponsors to help them undertake their valuable work.
Our vision
To make reading fun for children, so they become confident lifelong readers.
No child should be left behind in literacy.
Dear Leonie and the Story Dogs Team,
I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks and commendations for the wonderful Story Dogs program that you have implemented at St Joseph's. It is truly inspiring to see how the program is making a significant impact on our students' reading skills and overall confidence. The opportunity for students to read to Teddy is an innovative and highly effective approach. It creates a nurturing and non-judgmental environment that encourages children to practice their reading without fear of criticism. The presence of Teddy brings a unique sense of comfort and joy to the students, making reading sessions something they eagerly look forward to each week. Since the introduction of Story Dogs at our school, we have observed notable improvements in the students' reading fluency and comprehension. More importantly, the program has instilled a newfound love for reading in many of our students. They are more enthusiastic about picking up books and are developing positive reading habits that will benefit them throughout their academic journey and beyond as well as a confidence around animals.
Warm regards
Kathryn Hill | Assistant Principal
St Joseph's Catholic Primary | 32 Shelton St
Charlestown NSW 2290
Fear can destroy intelligence
- educator William Ayers
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.