Fairy Tails : Story Dogs Helping Children Read
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| {Fashion and Fluffballs illustration : Fairy Tales with Fluffy Tails © Shell-Sherree} |
Puppy dogs helping children tell tales ? Now, there's a tall story ! Except that it's not. Cross my heart and hope to eat a carob TimTam.
Story Dogs is an Australian organisation based on the American literacy programme Reading Education Assistance Dogs. According to Story Dogs, "when children read to a dog, the outcomes are amazing! ... The non-judgmental, loving nature of dogs gives this program its magic and helps children relax, open up, try harder and have fun reading to a friendly and calm dog."
As kitties are non-judgmental too and I'm one dog short of having a dog Chez Shell, perhaps Ella would like me to read War and Peace to her. She might be a bit tougher an audience than a puppy, but if we stop for walkies breaks, we'll never get through it.
If your pooch would like to help a young child find their reading paws or sponsor a Dog Team, you can get in touch with Story Dogs here.
I've heard of this program here in the States—what a great idea. But I can see why they use dogs; I once tried reading Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats to my kitty and he kept falling asleep!
ReplyDeleteThen I have no hope with Ella and War and Peace, Alexa ... maybe some cartoons instead !
DeleteCiao, Shell-
ReplyDeleteI've seen this in my area too and a couple of months ago there was a piece on the news about children reading to cats...and yes, the cats were not sleeping and seemed to enjoy the children's voices.
Diavolo (my furry friend as you know) seems to like my reading aloud for a bit and then either want to sleep, eat or play ....sometimes all three.
Very sweet, dear Michelle ! Diavolo is likely picking up some handy Italian phrases in the process ... ciao, bella !
DeleteThey have it in Los Angeles, but I'm afraid it's not for Wilma. If it's not a small animal, she's not interested. Humans don't count, no matter how small.
ReplyDeleteDifferent pooches have different callings, Petrea ... Wilma's clearly lie elsewhere.
DeleteIt would be great for children with learning disabilities. They take so much crap for being considered stupid. This might be a safe way to encourage them.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great idea, PA !
DeleteWhat a wonderful program!
ReplyDeleteI do think Macie would probably become bored, however, and either roll upside down (and look at me), or fall asleep. Such is the way of kitties ;)
And so it is, dear Ms M. :) Aren't they gorgeous.
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