A scheme to help children overcome literacy issues using ‘reading dogs’ has launched across South Wales.
The Burns By Your Side scheme, developed by Burns Pet Nutrition, involves volunteers and their trained dogs visiting schools to sit with children who could benefit from improved reading and communication skills.
The scheme currently operates in 50 Welsh schools and is supported by 53 volunteers.
Dr Helen Lewis, from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, said: “The dog is a non-judgmental listener whose very presence may calm and relax reluctant and anxious readers. Dogs do not judge, glance at their watch if it is taking a long time to read a page or sigh in frustration at mistakes – they are willing companions and their silence speaks volumes.”
