UK: Corsham pupils perfect reading skills thanks to special

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From www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk

Corsham pupils perfect reading skills thanks to special canine helper

9:43am Monday 9th July 2012 in News <http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/>
By Craig Jones <http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/biog/38175>

A group of pupils from Corsham Primary School have been pawfecting their
reading skills with the help of study buddy Olive the greyhound.

Since Christmas, four-year-old Olive, has been visiting five children, from
the school's sunshine group, with her owner Emma Ratcliffe, 47, who is the
Bath events co-ordinator for Greyhound Rescue West of England (GRWE).

During the sessions, Olive, who was once destined for a racing career before
being abandoned as a puppy in Ireland, helps the children focus as they read
to her and develop their skills.

Headteacher Fiona Allen, who is a volunteer with GRWE, approached Mrs
Ratcliffe, with the idea of bringing Olive in after being inspired by the
reading education assistant dogs programme which runs in American schools.

Mrs Allen said: "At Corsham Primary we have two specialist learning centres,
both of which cater for fabulous children who need a different sort of
curriculum.

"I have always had it in my mind to involve a special dog in the life of our
children who have special educational needs. This has been a brilliant
opportunity for them to learn all sorts of new skills."

Typically, the workshops, which take place every few weeks, involve the
students reading to Olive as well as doing painting and drawing with her
while they also take her for a walk and learn about caring for animals.

Mrs Ratcliffe, who has taken in rescued grehounds for the past 10 years and
has five other dogs, said: "For some children, it can be the hardest thing
in the world reading to an adult, where as the benefit of reading to dogs is
that they don't judge, they just sit and listen, allowing the children to
develop their confidence.

"I think it is great to explore different ways of teaching our children as
not everyone is the same. This programme seems to give them real focus as
they develop in their own personal space. While it also teaches them how to
treat animals too."

Since being introduced to pupils at an assembly, Olive, has become something
of a celebrity at the school even having her picture on the staff notice
board.

Mrs Ratcliffe, who works as an admin assistant, said: "The sessions work
really well, as the pupils love trying to impress Olive and she really
enjoys the attention, as she's a real show off."

During recent sessions, Olive, has taken the lead, welcoming her apprentice,
Tim, one of Mrs Ratcliffe's other dogs, to the sunshine group further
assistanting the children.

As part of the programme, the sunshine group, has sponsored a dog called
Barney through GRWE's sponsor a dog scheme and are planning a fundraiser to
support another.

For more information visit www.grwe.com.