How Dogs Are Helping Children Improve their Reading & Writing Skills

Did you know that more than 796 million people in the world cannot read and write? Poor literacy skills have significant health and welfare implications for society. Poor reading skills have been associated with a reduction in health outcomes, self-esteem, economic growth, and social involvement.

In 1999, the first high profile program advocating children reading to dogs was established by the Intermountain Therapy Animals. Subsequently, the growing interest in reading to dog’s programs has led to the development of several initiatives around the world.

Reading anxiety is common in children and can be associated with physical symptoms, such as a reddening face, rapid breathing and tension headaches.It is thought that the silent companionship of a canine as a reading partner may allow the child to work through reading challenges without fear of being judged by others.

With rising popularity and implementation of therapy dogs in educational settings, a recent study evaluated the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of reading to dog’s programs.

The study found that reading to a dog may have the following beneficial effects:

🐾   Reading to dogs may alter behavioral and emotional processes which may be important aspects of creating a learning environment to cultivate reading skills.

🐾   The non-threatening and non-judgemental presence of a dog may improve children’s feelings of support during reading.

🐾   The presence of the dog may help the child make a positive association with reading and this positive association may increase the confidence with reading

🐾   Reading to a dog may change the child’s attitude to reading

🐾   Reading to a dog may increase the child’s motivation to read

🐾   It may increase the engagement of the child with reading

As a result of all of the above, this particular human-canine interaction may lead to improved reading performance.

Children with less positive experiences with animals are less likely to show improvements through animal-assisted activities. Therefore, the benefits will be dependent on the child’s willingness and desire to be close to the dog. Also, it is essential to know that although the scientific studies highlight the benefits of reading to dogs, there is a clear need for more rigorous investigation in this area.