Children in the 21st century are avid users of technology - more so than generations past. But while Technology can have a positive impact on a child's development, it can also have a negative impact, so it's important to make sure you get the right balance. If the downward trend of children reading books continues, we will also lose all the benefits that reading books brings to children. Extensive studies have shown that reading books plays a substantial role in stimulating brain development and cognitive skills, in addition to offering a range of psychological benefits.
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Increases their imagination
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Improves their concentration and memory
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Helps develop empathy
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Improves their vocabulary
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Helps build positive self-image
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Helps to build their confidence
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Alarmingly, research as shown that disadvantaged children are already well behind their peers by age four, and by age six, many are around seven times more likely than other children to be doing badly at school.
Research has also shown that out of 500,000 (1 in 15) children in England aged 8 – 18 said they didn't own a single book which rose to one in 10 for those eligible for Free School Meals. These figures are shocking!
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Almost a million children in the UK do not have a single book of their own, according to new research conducted by the National Literacy Trust.
One of our aims is to change that!
ENCOURAGE READING
​ A child growing up in poverty whom are read to at age five has a significantly higher chance of economic success in their 30's than their peers who are not read to. Disadvantaged children who achieve highly at the end of primary school are twice as likely to have been read to at home in their early years, compared to their peers.
BOOK OWNERSHIP
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​We want to ensure every child regardless of their families financial situation, should have the opportunity to own at least one book. With the continuing shocking rise in the cost of living, some parents are unable to afford books for their children.
BE INCLUSIVE
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​More children than ever are being home-schooled in England for various reasons. If those children are to thrive they are going to need the same resources and opportunities all children attending school get, and not to be over-looked or forgotten about by the system. One of our aims is to offer Library group visits for home educated children to attend. This will offer them the chance to socialize with other home educated children, meet Bandit our Newfoundland and continue the love of reading books and all the benefits that come with that. It will also make great use of our much valued Libraries.
CONFIDENCE BUILDING
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Reading to dogs has been proven to help children develop literacy skills and build confidence, through both the calming effect the dog's presence has on children as well as the fact that a dog will listen to children read without being judgemental or critical.
MENTAL WELL-BEING
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​When a Dog visits a school, their presence can boost a young person’s motivation and morale. Dogs are non-judgemental and great listeners - they don’t interrupt or correct - so they aid confidence and concentration levels. Dogs are also known to encourage positive social behaviours, enhance self-esteem and inspire young people to relax and have fun.
COGNITIVE DEVELOPEMENT
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​Evidence suggests being around a dog can do everything from reduce stress to improve confidence. As well as improving emotional and mental wellbeing, they can also help with cognitive development by encouraging stimulation, play and memory-making.
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DEVELOP SOCIAL SKILLS
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​Research suggests that our connections with dogs increase our social interactions, evidenced by more openness to others, initiating conversations, focusing toward other people, being more positive, increased physical activity and play, and more laughing.
OUR AIMS & BENEFITS
Children who read are more likely to overcome disadvantage caused by inequalities.
