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More children across the kingdom are putting down their video game controllers and hitting books to improve their reading and storytelling skills….thanks to Baloo’s Buddies friendly four-legged pups.
Baloo’s Reading Buddies was founded by author of the adorable chocolate Labrador Baloo book series Sarah Clake in October 2019 to aid children with their fluency as well as build up their passion for books. Her efforts already attracted a dedicated group of more than 25 readers.
“There are many Read to a Dog programmes around the world,” explained Sarah. “For example, The Bark and Read Foundation of the UK Kennel Club supports a number of read to dog programmes run by charities and NGOs in the UK.
“Closer to home is Reading Dogs UAE run by the Animal Agency in Dubai which sends dogs into schools for reading activities. Research has shown marked improvements in reading fluency for children who take part in these programmes. It helps them develop a passion for reading as well as build their social skills.
“The thing about reading to a dog is that the dog is non-judgemental and doesn’t correct the child, as a teacher or parent might. So the child’s confidence to try new and more difficult words and books grows.
“Having a dog around reduces stress and it’s much more fun and less “school-like” than reading to an adult. Through participation in a “read to a dog” programme like Baloo’s Reading Buddies children are motivated to read more frequently and talk about the books they’ve read to their friends”.
The book reading sessions are held at The Bookcase owned by Linda Jennings. She has been supporting the book reading campaign since day one, hosting the classes that are run on the first Saturday of each month for free to children aged four and up. The next class will be held from 9am until 11am on January 11, 2020.
In these reading sessions, the children get to meet Baloo’s Buddies Juno and Chip. Sarah said: “The children come to these classes to practice their reading skills, hang out with other children, do some artwork and of course meet Juno and Chip.
“It is incredible how after one session some children are so motivated to read that in between our monthly meetings, they practice regularly so that they’re ready for their next read-out-loud time with our four-legged reading pals!”
Each dog has a health check and is assessed for behaviour and temperament before they are selected for specific training, as required, to meet children at the bookstore and RIA Centre.
“It’s important to realise that not every dog can be a reading dog,” said Sarah. “The dog may be too old, like Baloo who at nearly 15 spends most of his time sleeping. Some dogs love people but can’t cope with the noise of a classroom or unfamiliar settings and others may be more interested in running around than sitting still “listening” to a child read.”
Chip has been living with Jana Wilson for 12 years after being picked up from the BSPCA. According to Jana, he loves people, adores attention and is gentle with small children. “Chip never jumps up or barks and loves being patted and cuddled,” said Jana. “I was delighted to enrol him as a Reading Buddy because I’ve always thought that he would make an ideal therapy dog. This group encourages children to read without any pressure on them to perform. And they meet friendly dogs, which gives them more confidence around well-behaved dogs too. If Baloo’s Buddies helps kids to be kind to animals and to love books at the same time, it’s all well worth it!”
Juno is also a rescue dog belonging to Nadia Algosaibi. “Children, and even adults, can often experience anxiety when they’re asked to read out loud... but reading aloud in front of Juno is a whole different story,” Nadia explained. “She doesn’t judge or notice mistakes; she just loves meeting people of all ages... her funny expressions always put a smile on children’s faces. We love taking part in the programme. We enjoy getting children excited about books and in this way that we can help improve literacy skills.”
All children must be accompanied by an adult and the programme is suitable for children of all abilities and nationalities. Each child has two reading slots with one of the dogs and in between times takes part in art activities appropriate to their age group.
Mum Rekha Salin is thrilled that her six year old daughter enjoys the programme. She said: “My daughter can’t wait for the first Saturday of every month to come along. Since starting the programme, she practises her reading almost every day and is always asking “Is it time to go and see Juno and Chip yet?”
Sarah is also currently on the prowl for a third pup to join the pack. She would like to expand the programme’s school visits and add an afternoon session at RIA Centre.
Anyone interested for their dog to be assessed for his or her suitability to be a Reading Buddy and for details on the reading programme, can WhatsApp Sarah on 3838064 for details.
