First-Grade Literacy Program
First grade is a critical time for reading skill acquisition. SitStayRead’s Little Buddies literacy program focuses on big picture literacy skills, such as character identification, sequencing, and listening comprehension. Our proprietary curriculum introduces students to reading to dogs in the classroom and incorporates social-emotional learning.
Little Buddies
How it Works
The Little Buddies program runs for six consecutive weeks, with two Book Buddies, at least one Dog Team, and a SitStayRead Program Leader visiting the classroom once a week for an hour each time. Each session includes a read-aloud and group discussion followed by individual creative writing and drawing activities while individual students peel off for one on one time with the dog team/s.
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.
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.
This program is great for my class. It stimulates the students’ imaginations.
First Grade Teacher, Brunson Elementary
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.
Become a Partner School
If you’re interested in our literacy program for first graders, please complete our partnership interest form.
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.