Chicago Early Literacy Programs for K–2 Students

SitStayRead supports children at a pivotal stage in their literacy journey through evidence-based programming that helps young students build reading skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Support Our Mission

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Increasing School Attendance, Reading Confidence, & Literacy Skills

School partners
12
Classrooms served
34
Students served
1812
Books given to students
5310
An older woman and a man sit on the floor with two young children and a fluffy white dog, surrounded by children’s books in a well-lit room.

Early Childhood Literacy is the Foundation for Lifelong Learning

The reading skills developed in kindergarten through second grade are essential for transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn.

SitStayRead brings early childhood literacy programs to neighborhoods with the greatest need: where attendance is down, and a majority of third graders score below the national reading average.

When students feel excited, seen, and supported, attendance improves, literacy skills improve, and the foundation for future academic success is strengthened.

SitStayRead’s innovative approach is a testament to the power of comfort and companionship in learning.

By providing a supportive environment, literacy skills are nurtured, as is the confidence to embrace the reading journey and excel. In the presence of their furry friends, our students find the courage to explore new words, stories, and worlds, laying the foundation for a lifetime of joyful reading.

Anna Fink

Principal, Carlos Fuentes Elementary

How Our Literacy Programs Work

Our Chicago early literacy programs run for 6-8 consecutive weeks, with a mix of Program Leaders, Book Buddies, and Dog Teams visiting the classroom once a week for an hour at a time.

In addition to classroom residencies, we also host one-time visits, family literacy events, and Chicago Public Library programs.

View the Event Calendar   Explore Volunteer Opportunities 

 

A group of people sit on a classroom rug, one person holds an open picture book, and a white fluffy dog with a blue bandana sits nearby.
A bold, blue capital letter "K" is centered on a plain white circular background.

Kindergarten

The Barkin’ Buddies literacy program for kindergartners helps establish foundational language and literacy skills.

A large blue number 1 on a white circular background.

First Grade

The First Grade Little Buddies program focuses on big picture literacy skills, such as character identification, sequencing, and listening comprehension.

A large blue number 2 is centered on a white circular background.

Second Grade

The Tail Blazers literacy program focuses on improving reading fluency as well as building comprehension skills and written expression.

Illustration of an adult and a child smiling while reading an open book together.

Family Literacy Events

SitStayRead Family literacy events engage families in fun activities and games to encourage reading habits at home.

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.

SitStayRead has become part of our literacy culture.

Students and teachers looked 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. The program complements our work with the Common Core standards, and has made even the most reluctant learner excited to read and write. These life lessons are ones that will benefit the student for years to come.

Edna Mercado

Assistant Principal of Daniel R. Cameron Elementary

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A girl reads a book to a large dog lying on a blanket, with a woman in a blue shirt observing in a cozy room with bookshelves and plants.
A young girl in a pink hoodie sits on the floor, petting a small dog wearing a blue bandana in a classroom setting.
A black and brown dog lying on a red blanket is petted by two women and a child in a room with colorful walls and green carpet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our classroom-based early childhood literacy programs serve kindergarten through second grade students in Chicago Public Schools, with additional literacy events hosted through Chicago Public Library branches and community partners.

We serve schools in neighborhoods where the student population is typically 90% from low-income households and 60% of third graders score below the national reading average.

We prioritize schools and community sites on Chicago’s South and West Sides, focusing on neighborhoods where literacy gaps are most persistent.

Our current priority neighborhoods are Archer Heights, Auburn Gresham, Belmont Central, Gage Park, Galewood, Little Village, Pilsen, and South Austin. We prioritize Chicago Public Schools when possible, and offer fee-based Family Literacy Events to a wider range of Chicago organizations.

No, it is not necessary to have a dog, we welcome all volunteers! Many of our volunteers are Book Buddies who do not have dogs, but still enjoy volunteering with kids and want to support the SitStayRead mission. In addition to Book Buddies, we have many Dog Teams who do go through the process of getting their pet certified as a Reading Assistance Dog.

Programs are funded through generous private donations, grants, institutional partnerships, and community support. Schools in at-risk communities do not pay to receive SitStayRead services. We could not do what we do without our donors and volunteers! Learn how to get involved.

At this time, yes. Due to high demand, some schools and community organizations may join a waitlist. Partnership eligibility criteria help ensure we serve communities with the greatest need. Get more information on becoming a partner school.

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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