CHILDREN are set to receive help with their literacy skills from a slightly unusual teacher.

Tucker, a four-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, will be at Sible Hedingham Library for their new Tell a Dog a Tale scheme to help children with reading out loud.

Selina Davies, Tucker’s owner and a dog behaviourist for Hedingham Hounds, said: “As a dog trainer I saw a documentary a while ago and basically they conducted an experiment and the feedback was that children were feeling more confident reading out loud to dogs.

“I feel it could be because humans judge and children have the understanding that if they make a mistake then mum or dad is going to judge them.

“Whereas a dog cannot judge and they are much more expressive.

“They are going to be sitting there and give their full attention.”

Several academic studies have been conducted in America and show that reading to dogs can boost children's literacy, emotional and social skills, whilst also helping to build confidence about reading aloud and encourage children to read more at home.

Dogs are also taken into care homes and hospitals regularly throughout the UK.

Selina said: “I feel children might feel a bit more at ease when reading to a dog.

“Stroking a dog can lower your blood pressure through the calming effect and it could work in a similar way.

“For me I am going to be there as a dog behaviourist too. Hopefully they will see how well behaved my dog Tucker is.

“There has been a lot of negative stuff recently with regards to dogs and I thought it would be nice to put something out there showing a different side to them.”

The first Tell a Dog a Tale event takes place on October 6 at Sible Hedingham Library on Swan Street between 3.30pm and 4.30pm.

For more information contact 01787 460650.