Students welcome Shara, the reading dog, to Longcroft School Library

A group of Year 7 students greeted Shara, the Library reading dog, enthusiastically when she visited Longcroft Upper School Library this week. Students took it in turns to read out loud as the Siberian Husky listened attentively.
 
Research shows that reading for pleasure boosts children’s academic achievement, and also improves confidence. However, for some students this can be a little daunting. At Longcroft we are committed to meeting the needs of all our pupils, and Shara, our new Library reading dog, is part of that pledge. The idea behind the initiative is that having a dog to read to encourages students, and is something they really look forward to. They bond with the animal, and this relaxes them, and makes them less anxious about reading. Also, their reading dog becomes a talking point with their peers, which helps develop communication skills and raise self-esteem.
 
Shara, who is two years old, belongs to Mr Thurlow (creative media and learning manager) and will be visiting the Upper School Library for a few sessions every week.