ANIMAL-ASSISTED LITERACY PROGRAMS

SitStayRead is a non-profit organization that uses an engaging, evidence-based curriculum, skilled staff, trained volunteers, and Certified Reading Assistance Dogs to advance the literacy skills of kindergarten through third-grade students in the city of Chicago. 

We serve Chicago schools and community-based organizations where 90% of students live in low-income households or are housing insecure and 60% of third graders score below the national reading average.

Through our partner schools, with the support generous institutional and individual funders, SitStayRead motivates young Chicago students to become enthusiastic, proficient readers at a critical period in their learning journey and inspires them to create success in their lives.

SitStayRead student petting Certified Reading Assistance Dog in the classroom.

Our Programs

SitStayRead’s evidence-based, proprietary curricula help kindergarten through third-grade students become strong readers using fun, meaningful, and engaging strategies provided in both English and Spanish.


Third-Party Evaluation

After evaluating our curricula, Loyola University found that SitStayRead first-grade students tended to outperform non-program participants in reading and writing. Our students also made greater gains in vocabulary, listening comprehension, and written expression.


SitStayRead student reads to Certified Reading Assistance Dog laying down in the classroom.

our dogs

Students who read out loud to SitStayRead’s Certified Reading Assistance Dogs are less likely to worry about making mistakes, helping them become confident readers. All of our programs are delivered with a focus on social-emotional learning.


SitStayRead Book Buddy volunteer reads to a classroom of students.

Our Volunteers

Volunteers are essential to SitStayRead’s program delivery and also support literacy and annual fundraising events. There are a variety of opportunities for you to make a difference for students in the city of Chicago.

Solo volunteers are Book Buddies or those with dogs serve as a Dog Team, in the classroom. Corporate and group volunteer opportunities at Family Literacy Nights and Keep Reading Celebrations or bookbag prepping at the office are also options.


Cover for the SitStayRead book Hazel's Happy Home.

Our books

Partnering with local children’s author J.B. Blankenship, Chicago cultural institutions, and supportive funders, we created writing workshops for students to write their own stories.


 
 
SitStayRead T-shirt available for purchase.

Our Merchandise

Want to show your support for SitStayRead? Purchase some great swag today!