Hoomans told me about a great new foundation the kennel club are launching at discover dogs 12-13th November at Earls Court
It's called the Bark & Read Foundation to try and reduce the sad fact that 1 in 5 children leave school unable to read.
The idea is children read to us hounds and we sit there and listen. Sounds relaxing to me unlike mini hoomans we won't judge them, laugh or correct mistakes. In return they practise reading, have fun and improve their confidence.
It's been used in America for a while and works there. The dogs come from 2 charities that go into schools. The Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) and Pets as Therapy (already in 40 schools).
Zoe Wannamaker (the very funny lady from My Family comedy show and other telly shows) is supporting the foundation. She says "It's an inspiring idea, we all know that dogs are great listeners. The concept makes reading time fun and helps children's self esteem and passion for reading while they're still finding their voice.
How can we hounds help - ask your hooman owner to donate money or seeing if they can put you forward to be a volunteer to listen to the children.
You can get more info from
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/barkandread
What a great idea. That hound looks very interested :)
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