Stephanie Smith Jones, Alfie (8) & Simone Foster (7).
Camera IconStephanie Smith Jones, Alfie (8) & Simone Foster (7). Credit: Supplied/Supplied

When a reading problem comes along Mandurah kids whippet

Rachel FennerMandurah Coastal Times

A PROGRAM where children read aloud to dogs has seen children at Halls Head Primary become book lovers.

Alfie the eight-year-old whippet comes to school with his owner Stephanie Smith once a week.

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They listen to kids aged seven, eight and nine read.

Teacher Cheryl Buckingham said it is an engaging program for the children.

She has been a teacher at Halls Head for 15 years and praised Story Dogs.

“They’re switched on,” she said.

“The whole idea is to get them interested in books in a calm and warm environment.”

Alfie is a non-judgemental listener who does not make young readers uncomfortable when they make a mistake.

Ms Smith-Jones joined up with Story Dogs this term.

“I just wanted to give something back to the school,” she said.

“I do a lot with my dogs and Alfie is really placid.”

Story Dogs started in NSW in 2006 and from there it has spread throughout the country.

Visit their website to volunteer for the program.

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