Sophie Hall|Nancy R. Gee|Daniel S. Mills
Children Reading to Dogs: A Systematic Review of the Literature
University of Lincoln|University of Lincoln
despite growing interest value humananimal interactions hai human mental physical health quality evidence postulated benefits animals human psychological health based often unclear date exist systematic reviews effects hai educational settings specifically focussing perceived benefits children reading dogs rising popularity implementation programmes schools essential evidence base exploring pedagogic value initiatives well documentedusing prisma guidelines systematically investigated literature reporting pedagogic effects reading dogs research area early stages scientific enquiry adopted broad inclusion criteria accepting reports discussed measurable effects related topic written english multiple online databases searched januarymarch 2015 grey literature searches also conducted search results met inclusion criteria evaluated discussed relation oxford centre evidence based medicine levels evidence 27 papers classified level 5 13 level 4 7 level 2c 1 level 2bthe evidence suggests reading dog may beneficial effect number behavioural processes contribute positive effect environment reading practiced leading improved reading performance however evidence base inferences made low quality clear need use higher quality research methodologies inclusion appropriate controls order draw causal inferences whether reading dogs may benefit childrens reading practices mechanisms effect remain matter conjecture