Reading Session
Story Dogs is based on the successful American literacy program, Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.). The R.E.A.D program was launched in 1999 in Utah, USA, as the first comprehensive literacy program built around the appealing idea of children and young adolescents reading to dogs.
Reading sessions take place in a quiet area of the school grounds, such as the library or outside the classroom. A reading session is approximately 20 minutes long, where each child is one-on-one with the dog team. Books are chosen to suit the student´s reading level. During the session, the handler often speaks through the dog, such as; “Sam doesn't understand what is happening on this page, could you help him out?” The child becomes the teacher as they help the dog understand, and their confidence soars.
Our volunteers come with fun, interesting books that are specifically chosen for beginner readers. The students also have input into what they read. We encourage the students to write letters to the dogs between reading sessions, further encouraging literacy skills.
We help over 2,825* children every week to become confident lifelong readers.
* approximate
Our Mission
Create a safe, fun, supportive, non-judgemental environment for primary school aged children needing assistance with literacy.
The dog makes all the difference
These are the stories of the children whose lives have changed thanks to your generous donations.
Take a moment to be inspired by some amazing stories of the success of the Story Dogs program. Some of these stories also show why Story Dogs is so much more than a reading support program.
We change lives!
We are always looking for sponsors for our Story Dogs.
Teacher Feedback
These are the stories of the children whose lives have changed thanks to your generous donations.
Take a moment to be inspired by some amazing stories of the success of the Story Dogs program. Some of these stories also show why Story Dogs is so much more than a reading support program.
We change lives!
Graeme Base says:
Story Dogs is very lucky to have the support of an internationally acclaimed Australian children's author and illustrator in Graeme Base. Here is what he said about Story Dogs.
"It was at an outdoor book festival that I first came across Story Dogs. Squeezed between the crowded book marquees was a little tent in which sat three gorgeous dogs, happily accepting the adoration of all who came across them.
Curious (and also wanting to pat them) I began chatting with the handler. It turned out they were specially chosen for their patient temperaments to sit with children with reading difficulties and listen to them read.
What a stunning idea!
Literacy is crucial to every child’s future, and those who fall behind when they are young inevitably struggle to catch up. What better way to break down the barriers that build up in such a child‘s mind than by sharing and explaining a book with a dog who needs a little help with some of the words…?
I am delighted to add my name in support of this inspired initiative - for the path to a happy and rewarding life is generously paved in well-read, dog-eared books!
Hooray for Story Dogs (woof!)"
- Graeme Base, 2019