Children have been taking part in special reading sessions with Reading Dogs at Fishguard and Neyland Libraries, thanks to the ‘Burns by your Side’ reading scheme.

The scheme encourages children to read aloud to especially trained dogs, accompanied by their handlers.

“By reading to a dog, the children gradually improve their confidence in reading aloud, as well as developing their vocabulary, fluency of language and intonation,” said Tracey Johnson from Fishguard Library.

“It also helps to increase feelings of well-being, especially for children in special provision units.”

Fishguard Library and Ysgol Glannau Gwaun have joined forces to provide reading dog sessions for children in the school’s additional learning needs unit. There are 12 pupils in the unit, aged seven to 11.

The children visit Fishguard Library once a week during term time to spend a few minutes reading to a black Labrador/Newfoundland cross called Frankie Bear.

When they arrive, the children choose a book that they think Frankie would like to hear, or they can make up their own story or song. In the short time that this project has been running, they already improved in their confidence and ability when reading aloud, as well as learning to bond with Frankie.

One pupil said: “Frankie is soft and adorable and I enjoy reading to him,” and their teacher said: “Frankie helps the children relax and to enjoy their reading time together.”

As the project continues, the school and library hope to invite parents in to see how the children have progressed and to reward the children with certificates.

A similar scheme is also running at Neyland Library.

Pippa the spaniel comes to visit Neyland Library every other Saturday morning so that children can develop their skills by reading her a story.

Mrs. Richmond regularly takes her three children to the reading dogs events.

She said: “Reading with the reading dog has been a brilliant experience for my children.  It has helped with their confidence with books and reading aloud. It has made them really excited about reading. Every time we visit the reading dog in the library we get more books to take home too.”

Pippa’s handler said Burns By Your Side is a ‘wonderful scheme’.

“Pippa adores reading with the children,” she said. “It is very rewarding to see how the children interact with Pippa and how their confidence grows each week, as well as a big improvement in their reading skills.

“Neyland Library has been very supportive and offers a lovely location and experience to children who enjoy reading.”

To find out more about the Burns By Your Side scheme, visit their website www.burnsbyyourside.org

To book a 10-minute slot at Neyland Library for your child to read to Pippa the dog, please contact the library on 01437 775131. The fortnightly session takes place every other Saturday between 10 am and 12 noon.