There's a new Story Dog in town thanks to the support of Buderim Bendigo Community Bank® Branch. With financial assistance now secured, Carolyn and her dog Molly are the new kids on the block at Buderim Mountain State School.
Story Dogs is a reading support program designed to improve the literacy skills of children – using dogs! Children are given the opportunity to read in a non-classroom environment to accredited dogs. The program has been proven to improve reading skills, increase focus and build confidence.
Story Dogs volunteers just like Carolyn visit a school of their choice every week, on the same day, and at the same time, for approximately two hours. The children are usually Year 2 students generally between the ages seven to eight who are chosen by the school.
Story Dogs Sunshine Coast co-ordinator, Ms Petra Westphal, said the non-judgmental, loving nature of dogs helps children relax and open up.
"When children read to a dog, the results are quite incredible. Children's focus improves, their literacy skills increase and it's just wonderful to see their confidence soar," said Ms Westphal.
Buderim Bendigo Community Bank® Branch of Bendigo Bank Manager, Mr Peter Macdonnell, said the program was important in helping children become confident readers.
"The 'screen time' battle is a growing issue for so many families these days. Anything we can do to encourage children to read confidently and enjoy what they read will help them become life-long readers," said Mr Macdonnell.
Students come to cherish their Story Dog team so volunteers commit for the full school year. All types of dogs, except for restricted dog breeds, are eligible to become part of Story Dogs. The dog's temperament, obedience and willingness are of utmost importance to the program and they must also pass an accreditation test carried out by certified dog team assessors.
The Story Dogs program is available to all primary schools, both state and private, and is free to all participating students. A school generally comes on board when a volunteer comes on board and requests a school near them.
