Story Dogs
The literacy program at Story Dogs helps children across Australia learn to read. 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. Children's focus improves, their literacy skills increase and their confidence soars.
John Galea, Learning Support Teacher, says, "Story Dogs has been a game-changer for many of our most disadvantaged students at Gillwinga Public School. We have a high number of students with ADHD, ASD and trauma and we have found that our Story Dogs, have not only broken barriers in terms of reading instruction for many of our kids, but has also been instrumental in helping them learn to regulate their emotional responses and provide joy in their lives. You can see their faces light up when they enter the school gates, and the students are always begging to read with them. We can't thank Kathy and Story Dogs enough for what they bring to our school."