Second-Grade Literacy Program

SitStayRead’s Tail Blazers literacy program for second graders focuses on improving reading fluency as well as building comprehension skills and written expression.

A smiling child sits at a table holding a Clifford book, while a golden retriever wearing a green vest looks at the pages.

Trail Blazers

How it Works

The program runs for six consecutive weeks, with a SitStayRead Program Leader, three Book Buddies, and three Dog Teams visiting the classroom once a week for an hour at a time.

During each visit, Book Buddies lead small-group fluency activities and conduct structured brainstorming sessions. Then, students are supported in independent creative story writing.

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.

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.

An adult and two children sit on a colorful rug in a classroom, reading to a small white dog wearing a blue vest.

Become a Partner School

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

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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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