A dog teaching assistant for children

A primary school has got a new teaching assistant for children who are too shy to read out loud - a class DOG called Noodle. Friendly Noodle the Spoodle - a cross between a springer spaniel and poodle - greets youngsters every day as they arrive at Wallscourt Farm Academy in Bristol. Nervous four and five year-olds who are too shy to read aloud to classmates or teachers read to the jet black pup instead to help build up confidence. Noodle, who is just seven months old, also provides comfort to children who confide in him rather than staff when they are anxious or upset.