Therapy Dog
We are extremely lucky at Parkend to have regular visits from Kona and Lisa who come in to read with the children every Monday afternoon.
Therapy Dogs Nationwide places temperament assessed dogs with their volunteer handlers into Primary, Junior, High and SEN schools under our ‘Paws & Read Scheme‘ which is recognised by The Kennel Club.
Research suggests children can be nervous and uncomfortable when reading aloud in a classroom environment, especially those that are struggling.
The ‘Paws & Read‘ Programme allows these children to read to a therapy dog, as they are non-judgemental, attentive and perfect listeners.
We have documented evidence that one of our dogs, with the volunteer, attending school once a week can raise not only the reading standard of the children but help with their self-confidence and behaviour, and with their social and emotional welfare too.
The scheme also helps with self-esteem, and behavioural problems the children might have, plus teaching them how to behave appropriately around dogs and basic dog safety, thus hopefully helping the next generation of dog owners, to be more responsible.
Link for additional information about the scheme Schools - THERAPY DOGS NATIONWIDE (tdn.org.uk)
Meet Kona
