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A Labradoodle puppy is helping pupils to speak Welsh

Celyn the reading dog has joined the team at Ysgol San Sior, Llandudno and the kids are finding a new love of language thanks to the adorable new member of staff.

At just three months old, the playful pup is currently learning the ropes in his new position but staff have already seen a huge difference with the children at the primary school.

Headteacher Ian Jones decided to bring Celyn in after reading about the positive benefits a "reading dog" can bring to pupils: "There's loads of research on the internet at the moment talking about the benefit of reading dogs".

"But despite the research being inconclusive, more and more schools are getting dogs coming in to help children read."

(Image: Daily Post Wales)

"It's hard to quantify the success at the moment. The dog isn't necessarily improving reading as such, but he gets kids reading more and builds their confidence and self esteem."

The dog has been a hit with the children, all eager to have their time reading aloud to Celyn, who will snuggle up and listen.

"When the children are reading to the dog, they're the leader", Mr Jones said. "There's no-one correcting them, no-one is judging them and there's no-one criticising. And they have the undivided attention of the dog.

"Well, most of the time, unless he's trying to take a bite out of the book they're reading."

(Image: Daily Post Wales)

One of the unexpected benefits of having Celyn on staff is the increase of Welsh language used by the students.

"We told the kids that Celyn is Welsh and doesn't understand English. So they all speak to him in Welsh. It's amazing, as staff we've been trying for years all to get the kids to speak as much Welsh as possible, but with Celyn, they do it without question.

"All of his commands are in spoken Welsh. He's mastered "eistedd" (sit) and "paid" (don't) and they're always trying to teach him more."

Celyn is still in training but the opportunities as he grows within the school could be endless for the pup. He's a bundle of energy, but incredibly gentle with the children.

"He's a Labradoodle - his mum is a labrador and his dad is a miniature poodle, but judging by the size of his paws, we're a little concerned that he's going to be a little bit bigger than we first expected.

"But both are intelligent breeds and what has surprised us is just how placid he is. Most times the children just come in, if they feel that they want some space - they'll come and talk to the dog. If they're on a reading programme they'll come in and read to him."

(Image: Daily Post Wales)

It's already noted that reading to dogs helps encourage positive behaviour, encourages fluency and builds confidence in students, but most research is anecdotal.

However the benefits Celyn is bringing to the school has caught the eyes of researchers at Glyndŵr University, Wrexham, who have approached the school to help their studies of the benefit of reading dogs - hinted to be the first of its kind.

Celyn is currently helping students during ad-hoc drop in sessions in the reading den two or three days a week, but will soon be allocated his own timetable.

The children take it in turns to walk him on a daily basis, and after each working day he goes home for a well deserved rest with the headteacher.