By Barbara Heggen
Wendy Jenner was close to retirement and looking for something worthwhile to do when she took herself off to explore the Wyndham Volunteer Expo. It was there that she found a children’s literacy program called Story Dogs.
“I love dogs and I love children,” she says. “This program was a good fit for me and I could see how it would benefit children struggling with their reading.”
Story Dogs began in Murwillimumbah in Northern New South Wales in 2009 after founders Leah Sheldon and Janine Sigle were inspired by a similar initiative in the USA.
The idea is simple but powerful: students who struggle with literacy are encouraged to read stories to dogs.
While it might seem an unremarkable concept the outcomes are profound. A 2020 study by Monash University researchers found that the program increases student’s confidence, autonomy, and emotional and reading development.
Today, the program supports 2,935 children every week with 597 volunteer dog teams in 421 schools across Australia.
After meeting the Wyndham Story Dog volunteers Wendy soon signed up for the initiative.
Volunteers work with Grade 2 students. The class teacher selects four children behind with their reading levels. A dog team engages with the children one at a time in a quiet area where they read to the dog.
The secret to the success of the program is the non-judgmental nature of dogs.
“It doesn’t matter if the children don’t know words or say the wrong thing, Dogs don’t judge, and the children know that,” says Wendy.
“The children love the program. Their confidence grows as does their reading ability,” she says.
At the moment the Wyndham Story Dog team is focussing on Wyndham but hopes to expand to Brimbank or Hobsons Bay.
The only problem is the lack of Story Dog teams.
“The schools love the program and are keen to increase the number of Story Dog teams within the schools,” she says. “We have a waiting list of schools who want the program. We just need more dog teams.”
“Everything is determined by how many volunteers we have and what resources we have to support them.”
Story Dogs Wyndham is currently looking for people who have a calm friendly dog and two hours a week to spare. Dogs must be registered with Council, vaccinated, and at least 12 months old.
After applying, all potential volunteers are assessed for suitability. Approved volunteers are guided on working with children; how to go at the child’s pace and use the calming presence of the dog to support comprehension.
“This is a non-judgemental, fun, relaxed way for children to become confident lifelong readers,” says Wendy.
If you and your dog would like to make a difference and join the Story Dog team get in touch via – storydogs.org.au
