Why Read to Dogs?
Reading to dogs addresses two key current concerns in children’s development, i.e., falling levels of literacy and wellbeing.
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Summary of Key Benefits
01.
RTD can increase feelings of wellbeing.
02.
RTD can reduce reading anxiety.
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03.
RTD can improve reading confidence.
04.
RTD can improve reading attitudes.
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05.
RTD can improve attitudes towards school/learning.
01
Reading to dogs can increase feelings of wellbeing.
Increased feelings of enjoyment, calm and focus, as well as improved mood, attitudes and relationships.
02
Reading to dogs can reduce reading anxiety.
Reading anxiety is a key barrier to the development of reading skill, yet is often overlooked. Readers describe feeling more relaxed when reading to a dog, as the dog doesn't criticise or correct them. This non-critical, non-judgemental listening is thought to be key to why reading to a dog is effective.
03
Reading to dogs can increase reading confidence.
Readers describe feeling that the dog enjoys their reading, which leads to feelings of success. They begin to feel more confident about having a go, without fear of failure. Increased practice leads to further confidence.
04
Reading to dogs improves reading attitudes.
As enjoyment and confidence increase, positive associations with reading emerge, even when the dog is not there.
05
Reading to dogs can improve attitudes towards school and learning.
As wellbeing and reading proficiency develop, attitudes towards school improve, including attendance and engagement with the entire curriculum.
Paws and Learn® is founded upon scientific research into animal-assisted education.
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