Reading to dogs

Christchurch City Libraries Reading to Dogs programme is designed to provide a relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere which encourages children to practice their reading skills and develop a love of reading.

The programme uses rescue-dogs who are now the beloved pets of the Christchurch City Council Animal Control team. These furry friends have all been trained and tested for health, safety and temperament.

Library staff and a dog handler will be present at all times to help facilitate the sessions.

South Library 66 Colombo Street
Wednesdays 3.30pm – 4.30pm, starting February 11th

Papanui Library 35 Langdons Road
Thursdays 3.30pm – 4.30pm, starting February 12th
Each session is 15 minutes long. Bookings are essential, please call 941 7923

See our calendar of Reading to Dogs events.

More about Reading to Dogs

Our dogs:
• Can increase a child’s relaxation while reading
• Listen attentively
• Do not laugh, judge or criticise
• Allow children to proceed at their own pace
• Can be less intimidating than a child’s peers

Reading aloud is critical when children are learning. However, many children have difficulties reading and become self conscious when reading in front of their peers. Libraries and schools around the world have found that by sitting down and reading to a friendly dog, a child’s fear of being judged or laughed at ‘over mistakes’ disappears. Over time, the child’s reading ability and self-confidence improves and they begin to associate reading with a pleasant experience.

Heigh-ho, heigh-ho – to Linwood we will go!

It’s that time of the year when our minds turn reluctantly from puddings to jobs: the getting of them, the keeping of them and the changing of them.

Make a start with our Online Career Help Resources. Then have a look at Getting a Job which will yield 219 items. Most are for adults (which is to be expected), but there are 24 for children and only 4 specifically for teenagers which is a little odd. Perhaps by the teen years parents have given up on child labour and are just biding their time. Here’s a few of my favourites:

• What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Bolles. I’ve actually used this book, and look at the job I landed! If you can sweep aside some of the American tweeness, it is jam-packed with hints and is very positive in its approach. It also comes with a version for teens and (is there to be no respite?), I see there is one for retirement as well.
• Happy @ Work by Jim Donovan. Not happy at work? Before you dump what you’ve got, have a look-see for ways to improve it. This book, with its jaunty cover hinting at the possibility that all I need is a new coffee mug, has an upbeat approach and is a popular read.
• Maybe you do just need a break. How to Be Idle by Tom Hodgkinson is a droll look at slowing right down that may just kick-start your What Do I Really Want From Life neurons in unexpected ways.
• And I can’t resist giving a plug to this children’s book: How to Get a Job, by Me the Boss. A sort of “out of the mouths of babes’ approach”. After all, let’s not lose our sense of humour here!

But wait, there’s more. This week, Linwood Library amps it right up with their CV and Cover Letter Week. All week, Linwood staff will be available to help with your CV, cover letter, e-mailing your application and more. It’s a great idea – just book yourself an appointment with your very own librarian by phoning 941-7923.

Finally, it’s not a proper job hunt until it has its own signature tune, so here goes: Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho … and good luck!