Reading dog has become a school celebrity

Milo the Shih Tzu has been visiting pupils each week to help with their reading.

And the programme could not be more successful as children queue up to read to the three-year-old dog.

Reading recovery teacher Sarah Jones said: “We think if the children can read they can do anything and they feel much less self conscious reading to Milo.

“He has a calming influence on the kids and they love him. Everyone’s calling out to him when he comes into school.

“They are happy to read out loud to the dog.”

Sarah said at first the adults thought it was strange to invite a dog into the school and asked if the dog could understand the books but they are happy that Milo has helped promote reading.

She said that Milo does not have a favourite book but he does seem to react differently to some stories.

“Milo has little treats so after the children read they get to give him a snack and a stroke,” she said.

“The staff love him as well and we think he has different expressions for different books and children.”

Milo and his owner, Sheila Breen, have been visiting the school to help with the Reading Recovery programme, which supports children who need extra reading practice.

Sarah said some children struggled to read aloud or to a teacher but enjoy reading to Milo, and the scheme has boosted the children’s confidence and love of books.

While the children sit to read with Milo, they are sometimes asked to explain the meaning of a word to him or describe a picture.

If Milo falls asleep during the session, Sarah said the teacher tells the child that he is just closing his eyes so that he can concentrate on the story.

Milo is specially qualified to work with children and vulnerable people as he and his owner, Sheila, volunteer for the charity Pets as Therapy.

Sarah said: “We are very lucky to have Sheila and Milo visit us and to be part of this project.”