Kindergarten: Barkin’ Buddies

SitStayRead’s Barkin’ Buddies literacy program for kindergartners brings two Book Buddies, one Dog Team, and a SitStayRead Program Leader into the classroom once a week for six consecutive weeks.

A woman and a child sit on the floor next to a small dog wearing a blue bandana, with books and storage bins visible in the background.

How it Works

During each one-hour visit, the Program Leader engages students in a read-aloud and group discussion, followed by story writing/drawing and sight word activities. Students learn how to be safe around dogs, and then are able to take turns engaging with the dog team individually each week during the second portion of the session.

Curriculum & Approach

Every Program Session is Designed Around Five Core Elements

All SitStayRead early childhood literacy programs run for 6-8 consecutive weeks, meeting one hour per week in a classroom setting.

We are committed to delivering programs that are rooted in the science of reading and social emotional learning principles.

Learn about our approach

1. Read-Aloud

Program staff read out loud to the students and asked guided questions about emotions, behaviors, and strategies for addressing conflict.

2. Discussion

After reading, students reflect together. They identify key story elements, sequence events, and unpack language, strengthening reading comprehension.

3. Writing

Students turn discussion into creation by writing their own stories, poems, or personal narratives.

4. Social-Emotional Learning

Books are intentionally selected to reflect diverse identities, perspectives, genres, and voices.

5. Developing the Dog-Human Bond

Certified Reading Assistance Dogs create a calm, motivating environment where students feel safe practicing reading aloud.

You all ROCK!

My students are motivated and engaged by the activities, even amidst the constant and unplanned changes this past year!

Consuelo Gaines

Kindergarten Teacher

Helping students find their voice

The biggest impact SitStayRead has had on my students is helping them find their voice and showing them their voice and stories matter. The positive energy and genuine care and concern cannot be bottled and sold in stores. It is pure and magical. I am beyond thankful for all that SitStayRead stands for.

Tanya Holliday

Kindergarten Teacher

A boy reads a book to an adult woman, both seated on a colorful carpet, with a dog lying beside them indoors.

The Need is Significant

According to recent data from the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS), 60% of kindergarten students are inadequately prepared in language and literacy skills upon entering school. SitStayRead programs are a powerful tool for motivating young learners at this crucial juncture. We target neighborhoods in Chicago where the need is the greatest and can have the most impact on future literacy outcomes.

Get Involved Today

Get Involved Today

We partner with schools and community-based organizations where the student population is at least 90% low-income and 60% of third-grade students score below the national reading average.

Young students sit at desks in a classroom, writing on paper with pencils. One girl in the foreground smiles and looks upward, holding her work.

Become a Partner School

If you’re interested in our literacy program for kindergartners, please complete our partnership interest form.

A woman in a white dress smiles while holding a brown and white dog in a spacious indoor setting with other people in the background.

Donate or Volunteer

Your support helps SitStayRead bring dogs, books, evidence-based literacy programs and confidence to young readers in Chicago.

Help Chicago Students Become Confident Readers

When young students build strong literacy skills early, their confidence grows– in the classroom and beyond. Help support Chicago early literacy programs by donating or becoming a volunteer.

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