Kids, Dogs and Reading

Although it seemed silly at first, skeptics are rethinking their opinion of an experimental reading program in one Chicago elementary school. Called, "Sit Stay Read!", the once-a-week program combines kids, dogs and reading in an effort to improve the reading fluency of the children. After a prep session with a teacher, children spend one-on-one time reading to the dogs, who are accompanied by volunteers who become reading guides.

Early results suggest that the program has made a huge difference - the reading fluency of kids participating in the program increased by 24 words per minute. This compares to an increase of only 9.2 words a minute for kids in other classes.

Learn more about "Sit Stay Read!" in the article on the Chicago Sun-Times Web site, or through sitstayread.org.