An ex-racing greyhound called Batman is helping kids learn to read. The dog who once raced under the name ‘Flying Batman’ – but never actually won any races, is the only British dog registered with the American organisation Reading Education Assistance Dogs.

The secret of Batman’s success is that he ‘listens’ to the children as they read and paws the pages to encourage them.

“We have had children that have been really introverted that have come out of their shells when they’ve met him,” says teacher Debra Gage from Arden Forest Infant School in Bedworth, Warwickshire. “He puts his paw on the page and he’s very gentle with them, it helps them interact and they just enjoy sitting and talking with him.

“When children come into school they can find it quite scary and they don’t often respond to adults. They bond straight away with Batman because they don’t feel nervous with him because of his manner.”

Batman travels to different schools around the country helping children.

Do you think that this is a good idea? Would you like a reading dog? Vote on our poll at www.firstnews.co.uk/polls and let us know.