Reading dogs in Regensburg: This is how the four-legged friends improve their reading skills!

Reading dogs in Regensburg: This is how the four-legged friends improve their reading skills!

A very special reading hour is offered in the city library on Haidplatz in Regensburg. Not only books come into play here, but also four-legged friends. The charming reading dogs, trained by experts at the University of Regensburg, help little readers improve their reading skills and find more joy in reading aloud. A format that inspires and works without any stress!

The “Reading Dogs in Action” program is aimed at beginning readers of primary school age. Prof. Dr. Silke Schworm, a committed university lecturer and doctor of psychology, brings her expertise and works on a voluntary basis with dogs that have been specially trained to read aloud. “The children are allowed to read their favorite stories to the dogs – without any pressure or criticism,” she says enthusiastically. And that's exactly what creates the relaxed atmosphere that encourages children to read aloud.

Unique learning experience

At the Candis public library, children can take part in this unique format in small groups. Four children are allowed to come to each appointment and each has around 15 minutes to read to the dog. The dog handlers are only there to help the little readers with answers to questions - most of the communication takes place via the dog. Here the children can read without bias and thus improve their reading skills in a playful way, which has a positive effect on their grades.

"This method not only helps children read, but also encourages them to interact with animals. They become more self-confident and lose their fears," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Schworm. Without pressure and with a lot of fun, the children learn to improve their reading skills and discover the joy of reading.

Free offer

The offer is free - but registration is required. Another point that makes the program attractive for many parents. The prerequisites for taking part in the sessions are the absence of dog allergies and the ability to feel comfortable around the large four-legged friends. These small but wonderful conditions help ensure that the reading dogs can do their best while the children read in a safe and nurturing environment.

The reading dog project complements the regular reading offerings and does not replace traditional reading lessons, but emphasizes the importance of playful learning, as the initiators emphasize. Thanks to regular training at the University of Regensburg, the dog handlers are well equipped to organize this creative and educational experience for the children.

Overall, the reading dog project is not only an excellent method of promoting the reading skills of the youngest readers in a relaxed environment, but it also brings a lot of joy and new friendships - between humans and animals and between children and literature.

For further information about the events and registration, visit the City of Regensburg or the [University of Regensburg](https://www.uni-regensburg.de/humanwissen-1/humanwissen/erdraungs Wissenschaft-medien/tierisch-denken-lernen/lesehundprojekt/index.html).