Reading with Dogs

Burns By Your Side is a reading-with-dogs project. Reading to a trained learning support dog has been shown to have a significant impact on the participating children. The fear and pressure that children may feel when reading to an adult are alleviated, which helps reduce their stress levels. The reading dogs scheme provides a calm and safe environment where a child can enjoy a book without judgment, allowing them to develop their vocabulary and improve their reading skills. Over time, the children and the dog build a special relationship, encouraging children to read for fun rather than just because they have to. Luna and Kathryn visit Booterstown National School on a weekly basis, and we have a bed at the school for Luna to ensure she feels comfortable and welcome. We are delighted to have this wonderful opportunity in our school.