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.
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.
Like all SitStayRead curricula, our kindergarten literacy program contains five core elements: read-aloud, discussion, writing, social-emotional learning, and developing the animal-human bond. Learn more about our curriculum.
“You all ROCK! My students are motivated and engaged by the activities, even amidst the constant and unplanned changes this past year! ”
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.
“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.”
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. If you’re interested in our literacy program for kindergartners, please complete our partnership interest form.