U.K. teacher uses "reading" dog to boost kids' confidence
WINFORD, England-- Kids learning to read at Winford Primary School in England are getting help from the teacher's pet, a 2-year-old chocolate lab named Fernie.
He's helping students, like 7-year-old Cerys Wilton, tackle the written word.
"I didn't know if I was going to be able to read when I was older," Wilton said.
That's where Fernie's special trick comes in.
Head teacher Nick Gardener says his dog Fernie can read.
He's taught Fernie four words so far.
"He can read in terms of he can recognize the shapes on the flash cards and derive meeting from that, and do what they say," said Gardener.
It took a lot of training and treats, but the work paid off.
Gardner says seeing Fernie reading gives his students the confidence to do it too.
"I was just so shocked," said another student. "I didn't realize a dog could actually read."
Cery said it made her feel like she could read too.
Fernie is not just a good teacher -- he's also a great listener.
"When I'm reading with Fernie, it feels really fun to read and it's really, really happy and joyful," said Cery.
A joy students may never outgrow.
Fernie is part of a British charity called Dogs Helping Kids -- which sends dogs into schools to help inspire children to love reading.