A new reading initiative in Hobart is using the calming presence of dogs to help children enhance their reading skills.
The Guide Pals program, run in partnership with Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes Health, aims to alleviate the anxiety many children face when reading aloud.
The program’s star is Quincy, a Facility Dog from Guide Dogs Tasmania, who offers a non-judgmental and comforting presence as children practice their reading.
“Half of Tasmanian adults struggle to read at the functionally literate level, so programs like Guide Pals are really important to engage children early,” Kasota Clayton, the 19-year-old creator of the program, said.
“It provides a positive environment, helps kids focus and eliminates all those psychological barriers that make them feel shy or embarrassed. Quincy doesn’t correct them or care if they stutter.”
Clayton said she hopes the program will inspire children to read more, having experienced the benefits of a similar initiative at her local library while growing up in California.
“I loved animals and I was so excited, I remember going home and picking out books to read to the dog next time. It gave me a reason to want to read,” Kasota said.
Guide Dogs Tasmania Business Manager Kim Ryan said the organisation was thrilled to support the pilot program.
“The use of our facility dogs to provide positive learning experiences to children is so rewarding to watch,” she said.
The fully booked out, one-on-one human-to-pup sessions are being held at the St Lukes Wellness Hub on the coroner of Liverpool and Elizabeth streets throughout July.
