WATCH: Rescued animals enjoy storytime

The Reading Rescue programme builds reader confidence and the learners believe it makes the animals better listeners.

June 24, 2023

Jani de Beer 1 minute read

Connor Erasmus loves reading to the TAG cats. He said they are good listeners and their presence calms him.

Clutching onto books of tales to faraway places and grand adventures, the learners of EcoKids Primary arrived at The Animal Guardians (TAG) anxiously waiting to read to their furry friends.

The school launched their Reading Rescue programme at the start of the year after principal Chantel Correia joined TAG as a volunteer in 2021.

“After spending some time at the shelter, the idea sparked to launch a programme at school which would incorporate my love for teaching with my love for animals,” she said.

“I pitched the idea of bringing learners to TAG to read to the animals while also learning about animal behaviour and care.

Being the newest and smallest resident at TAG, Shannon Nelson taught this pup some new words.

“The pilot programme initially involved three learners but soon grew to a group of 16, who visit the shelter weekly on a rotational basis.”

Paired with animals that match the kids’ energy, learners sit with their furry partners, reading their selected books.

“I am reading one of the books from the Percy Jackson series to Shangi,” said Dayne Munn.

“I used to read to Chico, but he was adopted. Now I get to share the adventures with Shangi.

“She’s a very busy dog, but hopefully, she’ll enjoy the books as much as I do.”

Correia believes reading in a relaxed environment builds reader confidence in children and benefits animals needing love, attention and socialisation.

“The benefits are two-fold. Academically, the programme fosters a culture of avid readers while the interaction stimulates the animals, thus adding to their adoptability,” she said.

“When the kids have finished reading, we discuss comprehension, grammar, words and spelling. Then the children assist the TAG staff with afternoon chores, such as washing and cleaning bowls, playtime and taking some animals on walks.”

Building on the programme, Correia said she was investigating the use of animals in therapy and how interactions with the children affect animals living in shelters.

“I love coming to TAG. I feel safe here in the company of these sweet animals,” said Alea Konning.