Round of a-paws for national school

There’s a new dog in town as Ennis National School welcomes Mackey their Reading Education Assistance Dog (READ), as part of a new initiative aimed at improving students reading skills.
Students at the school are having regular reading sessions with Mackey, that follow on from a reading to dogs movement that began in the US.  Now a widespread practice in libraries, schools and even correctional facilities both in the US and in Canada, a number of educational authorities in the UK have also begun to introduce this experience to their students.
Teachers at Ennis National School became interested in the idea last spring but it took some time to find a willing dog-owner with a suitable dog. Luckily, Ennis resident Hilary O’Sullivan heard about the project and came forward with her dog Mackey.
Hilary has nephews attending the school, and she was delighted to bring Mackey in for a trial run. Fortunately, the children took to her straight away, and Mackey seemed happy to sign up for school. The children have been reading to Mackey on a regular basis, in what they call their “Wag Tales” programme.
The theory behind the programme is that children, especially struggling readers, feel more relaxed when reading to a dog, and so are better able to read. The comforting presence of a furry friend, who is non-judgmental and does not mind if you make mistakes, boosts children’s confidence and morale.
According to Fiona de Buitleir of Ennis National School, parents of students in a similar programme in the USA reported that their children began to read out loud at home more frequently and with greater confidence as a result.   
“One of the keys to better reading, especially for less able readers, is extensive practice. Reading to the dog is so motivating that the children are getting extra reading practice without even noticing. A study done by the University of California found that pupils’ fluency improved by up to 30%, and their reading speed increased by up to 30 words per minute in some cases,” she said.
But what is in it for the dog, one might ask, well as Fiona points out, Mackey thoroughly enjoys being fussed over and especially likes play time with the children once the reading session is over.