THE role of Story Dogs in assisting young school students develop confidence and a love of reading has been a success story at the Mansfield Primary School thanks to Denise Skinner and her two dogs Poppy and Maggie as the program continues in term one.
Two years ago Mansfield's Denise Skinner and Poppy began as volunteers at the local school working mainly with second year students who needed support.
Denise saw a real need for another dog at the school so she got Maggie assessed and commenced volunteering with her new canine companion during second term in 2024.
According to Denise, Poppy and Maggie who are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love the company of humans and children in particular.
"They are trained to sit quietly and 'listen' to children reading to them," Denise explained.
Latest Stories
"Story Dogs is a volunteer organisation which relies on fundraising and donations to continue their great work in schools across Australia."
To fund the teams, they approach various organisations and businesses regarding sponsorship.
When Denise approached the Mansfield Veterinary Clinic, practice owner Dr Sally Rekers was keen to get on board with sponsorship for Maggie for the following year.
Dr Rekers had heard about the program and felt it worthwhile said Denise.
"The children are allowed to read at their own pace in a safe and non-judgmental environment where they can feel ok about making mistakes or not knowing the words, because the dog doesn't care and wants to be with them regardless," she said.
Denise has seen children's confidence flourish, and with the great work and support of their teacher, they begin to develop a love of reading and stories.
One child remarked at the end of the year "I'm going to read chapter books now".
Story Dogs is always looking for volunteers.
If you have a calm and obedient dog who loves children, please look at the Story Dog website and Denise will contact you if you want to proceed.
"It's such a rewarding and enjoyable experience for the dogs, the volunteer and the children," Denise said.
For more information about volunteering visit https://www.storydogs.org.au/how-to-volunteer
