The John Burns Foundation has developed a volunteer Reading with Dogs scheme, where well behaved and fully trained companion dogs and their equally well-suited owners, visit the school to read with the children. In practical terms, the children read to the dog, it is not a ‘teaching lesson’. The scheme is designed to create a stress free, relaxed environment where a reluctant reader can read to the dog without interruption or social pressure. The scheme has also proven beneficial for children with communication and/or confidence issues.
Initially set up in Wales, The Foundation registered with the Irish Charities Regulator in 2018 to offer the same support to school children in Ireland.
The scheme is aimed at school children of all ages who can benefit from improved reading and communication skills and offers learning support for children in nurturing or special provision units using fully trained volunteer teams of companion dog and handler
Reading to a dog creates an aura of calm, allowing children to feel at ease and communicate more effectively with a compassionate non-judgemental listener.
The scheme has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the wellbeing, self-esteem and confidence of pupils and continues to flourish at many schools, colleges, and libraries in Wales.
There are currently 16 volunteer partnerships working in primary schools across South Co. Dublin and Wicklow with another 24 potential volunteers beginning their training in Jan 2021. Half of these new volunteers will be training in Swords to facilitate the expansion of the BBYS project into North Dublin, Meath and Louth in Jan 2021
St Laurence College will be the first Secondary School in Ireland to have a Burns By Your Side reading dog.