Australian literacy program using dogs to help children read aloud
Consensus Summary
The Story Dogs program uses 389 dogs nationwide to boost primary school children’s reading confidence by providing one-on-one, low-pressure reading sessions. Founded in 2009 in New South Wales, the initiative targets children struggling with anxiety, learning difficulties, or limited home reading opportunities. Tashi, a miniature poodle, exemplifies the program’s impact at Bondi Public School, where her owner Sue Bognar volunteers weekly. Research highlights literacy gaps—40% of students underperform in grammar and one-third lag in reading—while the program’s non-judgmental canine companions create bonds that motivate children to practice reading. Bognar, a retired educator, notes the program’s success in reducing reading anxiety, emphasizing dogs’ unconditional acceptance as a key advantage. The initiative mirrors a US model and has expanded across Australia except the Northern Territory, reflecting growing recognition of animals’ role in education.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Tashi is a 10-year-old miniature poodle participating in the Story Dogs literacy program
- Story Dogs involves 389 dogs across Australia (excluding Northern Territory) as of the latest reporting
- The program was established in 2009 in regional New South Wales by Janine Sigley and Leah Sheldon
- Story Dogs is modeled on a similar US-based program using dogs as education assistance animals
- The program operates in every Australian state and territory except the Northern Territory
- Tashi’s owner, Sue Bognar, volunteers with her at Bondi Public School in Sydney
- Story Dogs sessions provide 20-minute one-on-one reading slots for primary school students
- The program aims to help children with anxiety, ADHD, or learning difficulties by creating a non-judgmental reading environment
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Tashi is described as a 5-year-old miniature poodle when adopted by Sue Bognar (though later stated as 10 years old in context)
- Bognar worked in the education system and as a librarian for 50 years before retiring
- The program was created in response to 'wide disadvantage gaps in literacy' among children who 'just hadn’t got that start in life'
- Latest Naplan results showed 4 in 10 students perform below expectations in grammar/punctuation and 1 in 3 fall behind in reading/spelling
- Tashi and Bognar attend Bondi Public School every Friday for about two hours of reading sessions
- Bognar mentions Tashi gets 'a bit past it' after two hours of sessions
- Harlow, a Bondi Public School student, reads 'Pig the Grub' to Tashi during a session
- Bognar clarifies Tashi’s hygiene habits with Harlow, who jokes about her dog’s poop-rolling behavior
- Sigley states children practice reading at home after sessions because they 'want to do the best they can for the dog'
- Bognar says reading in front of a whole class can be 'pretty scary' for children
- Bognar emphasizes Tashi’s 'very special' combination of 'placid and loving' temperament
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Article 1 states Tashi is a 10-year-old miniature poodle in the headline and context, but mentions she was five when adopted by Bognar (though this may be a misstatement about age at adoption vs. current age)
- No contradictions found regarding core program facts, numbers, or locations between the two articles
Source Articles
Dog-eared page-turners: how Tashi and 388 other canines are helping Australian children to read
They love pats, don’t judge and they let you go at your own pace – perfect for instilling confidence and letting kids associate pleasure with reading Follow our Australia news live blog for latest upd...
Meet Tashi, the miniature poodle helping children gain the confidence to read aloud – video
Tashi is one of 389 dogs across Australia that are part of a literacy program called Story Dogs, which helps primary school students gain the confidence and ability to read aloud. The dogs are accompa...