Hannah Hammoud
Coolaroo South Primary School pupils marked Australian Reading Hour by reading books aloud to shelter and therapy animals.
The heart-warming display was a unique opportunity for grade three and four students who were welcomed behind the scenes at the Lort Smith Animal Hospital and Adoption Centre to read aloud to the animals, as part of the nationwide Australian Reading Hour Initiative.
Lort Smith Animal Hospital community programs manager Megan Nutbean said the initiative was a win-win for everyone involved.
“For kids who struggle or lack confidence with reading, it can be hard to read to other people,” she said.
“But we know that reading to the right animal, who has no expectations and passes no judgements on reading ability, can improve reading confidence.
“It takes the pressure off and helps kids find joy in reading.”
The community initiative involved a northern collaboration between Coolaroo South Primary School, Lort Smith Animal Hospital, Hume Libraries, and Australia Reads.
Hume youth services librarian Megan Becke said it is important to make reading fun to support children in building positive associations with learning.
“It was a really beautiful experience, we were thrilled with how much the students got into the reading aspect of it, as well as the animals,” she said.
“It’s important to engage children in books that they’re interested in and find these unique opportunities to show them how much fun it can be.”
