SitStayRead Canine-Assisted K-2nd Grade Classroom Residencies

Program Overview

SitStayRead Program Leads and a corps of volunteer Book Buddies and Certified Reading Assistance Teams provide under-resourced Chicago communities with classroom residencies, one-time visits, family literacy events, and library programs for emergent and early readers in K-2nd grade.

Our grade-specific curricula are founded on Science of Reading and SEL approaches. A fun learning environment motivates kids with creative materials, small group stations, and evidence-based techniques that strengthen critical early literacy skills, including phonemic awareness, decoding, comprehension, and written expression.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

"This program has enabled us to infuse the love of literacy for all our students, especially those in primary grades. SitStayRead is dedicated to building the love of literacy and also to developing reading skills, patience and confidence in children. Students and teachers look forward to every Friday as they love having the volunteers come with their dogs to the classroom. It is always the highlight of their week."

-Edna Mercado, Assistant Principal of Daniel R. Cameron Elementary (SitStayRead Partner School)