Geelong kids had the chance this week to practise their reading skills while spending time with lovable dogs.
Geelong Regional Libraries (GRLC) presented its Story Dogs sessions, a volunteer-run literacy program intended to improve children’s reading and communication skills by having them read to specially trained companion dogs.
The free sessions at Leopold Library on Tuesday and Lara Library on Thursday this week were the first of an ongoing program that will run until the end of the year, and featured small groups of six or less participants aged eight and over.
Geelong and Wyndham coordinator for Story Dogs Karen Knuckey said the program helped kids become more comfortable with reading.
“At Story Dogs, we aim to make reading fun for children, so they become confident lifelong readers,” she said.
“Our dogs provide a calm, non-judgmental audience. They will hopefully entice more children to engage in reading during the school holidays.
“It is wonderful to partner with the Geelong Regional Libraries, who provide wonderful places where children are surrounded by many adventures and stories, just waiting to be explored.”
GRLC chief executive Vanessa Schernickau said her organisation was thrilled to bring such a remarkable program to its libraries.
“Story Dogs offers a simple yet ingenious approach for young readers,” she said.
“We’re proud to provide the safe space of our libraries to host these sessions and support unique methods to help support confidence and literacy skills in children.”
Details on further sessions will be available closer to the dates. Visit events.grlc.vic.gov.au to stay informed.
