PUPILS at Birchensale Middle School have a real treat with their reading lessons as they are joined by miniature dachshund ‘Dotty’ every week to offer them a helping paw.
Dotty is registered with the Pets as Therapy (PAT) charity under the Read2Dogs programme.
The aim is to help pupils increase their confidence and enjoyment with reading. Dotty sits with a child as they read aloud to her and it has been found to have fantastic results, leading to literacy skills, focus and confidence soaring.
Dogs are non-judgmental and loving by nature and this helps pupils relax, open up and try harder with reading.
Teacher and Dotty’s owner Sarah Homewood said: “It is fantastic to see many pupils, who have self-esteem and confidence issues when reading, relax and enjoy reading to Dotty.”
The programme has become so popular schools are currently having to go on waiting lists for dogs to visit them.
Pets As Therapy was founded in 1983 and has over 450 dogs involved in their Read2Dogs programmes around the UK.
