Students in Year 7 and 8 are being encouraged to develop a habit of reading for pleasure by coming into the library and reading to ‘Tilly’ a seven month old, miniature Schnauzer dog belonging to Mr Blackholly, head of vocational learning at Oathall.
Reading to Tilly works with readers of all abilities, creating positive associations with reading and the library. The difference in achievement between children who read for half an hour a day in their spare time and those who do not is huge – as much as a year’s education by the time they are 15.
Mrs Evans, English faculty leader said:
“Having a dog in the library encourages students to relax and feel less self-conscious, dogs provide comfort, are perfect listeners and importantly they are non-judgemental, inspiring even the most reluctant readers to have fun and enjoy reading.”
