Chapter and verse as Woody helps Shropshire pupils with their reading
He’s a gentle giant who loves to be fussed – and Woody has become the latest weapon in getting children in Shropshire schools to read.
The English setter is being taken into classrooms across the county.
His calming nature is perfect for encouraging younger pupils to gather round and enjoy a story.
And he and his owner Anne Duffy are using his charms to inspire children to come up with their own stories. Crudington Primary School in Telford was the latest to be treated to a visit by Woody, who has featured on Crufts, as the school year comes to a close.
Julia Horton, assistant head teacher at the school, said: “I didn’t expect it to be as popular as it was.
“This is the second time Woody has come to us now and the children absolutely love him.
“There was a buzz around school before he arrived. He’s such a friendly dog and I think he loves the children as much as they love him.
“Everyone wants the chance to meet, pet and read a book to him.”
The English setter started touring schools in 2016 after his owner, Anne Derry, helped launch a reading project in Walsall.
The project was to inspire and help shy readers who might not feel confident in their ability.
“It definitely works,” added Mrs Horton.
“When children read to an adult they naturally get corrected and feel under pressure, but not with this.
“It’s all about encouraging children to read for pleasure without fear of judgement or scrutiny, and it’s something they can take with them into adulthood.
“Woody will sit there peacefully and listen to any book anybody wants to read him, and the children can’t wait to read to him.
“Hopefully this will encourage them to read at home, whether it be to a sibling, parent, goldfish or hamster.”
Mrs Derry and Woody are used to getting lots of attention having been featured on television following success at Crufts in 2016. They were interviewed by Clare Balding, and Woody featuring in a programme that filmed him in his role as a reading ambassador in local schools.
Mrs Derry has previously said: “Woody has a calming and positive effect on nervous and shy readers, and educational research suggests that a child will not feel judged or under pressure to perform in the company of a calm dog.
“The child reads while Woody just sits gently and listens attentively.
“I know as his owner I’m a bit biased, but I am very proud of him and the impact he is having.”
Woody is set to return to Crudington Primary School in September, and continue to visit on a termly basis to keep up with the pupil’s progress.
