Special dog aids reading project
Retrodoodle Meg has provided a listening ear and a comforting paw at Kerikeri Primary School, curling up on the couch to be read to by students.
Now children can read a story about Meg to the 8-year-old pooch with the launch of local author Richard Ward’s first picture book, Sam and the Reading Dog. Meg made a beeline for her ‘‘library toy’’, a stuffed monkey, before lapping up pats and cuddles from the children she has helped to improve their reading, at the book’s launch this week. Ward, a former university lecturer in literacy education, said developing the book combined his interest in reading with his love of dogs.
‘‘It provides an uncritical situation where children know the dog is a recep- tive listener and is not going to make judgmental calls,’’ Ward said.
‘‘The children can read without fear of criticism.
‘‘It relaxes them and they grow in confidence, because they are being successful in a supportive situation.’’
It took about six months to complete the book, with illustrations from Gabriella Klepatski.
‘‘It’s a complete circle seeing the book being read to Meg.’’
Meg attends the school along with owner Jannetta Wilmar two days a week as part of the Outreach Therapy Pets programme – a partnership between SPCA Auckland and St John.
She provides support for children who require extra assistance with their reading. Student Drew Baldock-Heta, who is pictured in the book, said he thought it was cool to read to Meg.
‘‘It’s very good when I get to read to her. I like that I get to shake her hand when I’m done and I’m more focused when I read to Meg and she just watches.’’
Father Andy Baldock said Drew talked about Meg a lot and it made his day to be in the book.
‘‘Drew is more engaged with reading and he is definitely improving.’’
Mother Kristen Curtis, whose son Liam reads to Meg said he absolutely loves it. ‘‘He used to hate reading but now it’s the highlight of his week.
‘‘His confidence has improved and he has started to read to the cats at home but they aren’t so patient.’’
Deputy principal and special education needs co-ordinator Kerry Maxwell said it was ‘‘pretty darn amazing’’ the change in the children after reading with Meg.
‘‘Their vocabulary develops, their confidence improves and they have a go,’’ Maxwell said.
‘‘Mistakes can be made in a way that’s not harmful to their self-esteem.
‘‘They feel more secure knowing she’s not judging them and she loves them no matter what. We as a school all love that dog.’’