By Carla Kaizen, M.A. ED, CTRI, Main Stay Equine & Animal Assisted Learning Manager
Read Across America and Across the Barnyard
Each year, Read Across America sparks a wave of excitement about reading, reminding us that literacy can be joyful, creative, and everywhere we invite it to be! Inspired by that spirit of celebration, Main Stay’s Books in the Barnyard invites learners of all ages to take that enthusiasm beyond the week itself and carry it into meaningful experiences throughout the school year.
Books in the Barnyard, as featured on WGN News, is Main Stay’s adaptive literacy enrichment program that helps learners build confidence with reading and writing on our farm, surrounded by horses, goats, sheep, a mini donkey, a mini mule, bunnies, and a pair of curious barn cats. The farm setting naturally sparks conversation, imagination, and joy, making it a perfect place for emerging and reluctant readers to explore words without pressure.
The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Literacy
The presence of calm, non-judgmental animal “listeners” can make a powerful difference for some students. Notably, research on animal-assisted literacy experiences, including studies from Tufts University, has found that reading to a gentle animal companion can improve children’s attitudes toward academic reading and increase motivation, especially when the audience feels safe and supportive.
Our animals are wonderful listeners, like Pickles the donkey, who is always ready to hear a fictional tale about his own “adventures” on the farm. Children are often more relaxed, more willing to try out new words, and more confident sharing aloud in a place that feels welcoming and fun.
Books in the Barnyard Carries Literacy Beyond the Page
Beyond reading, one of the ways Books in the Barnyard brings creativity to life is by inviting students not just to read, but to write and illustrate their own stories. Students can draft tales inspired by Main Stay’s animal residents before their visit, then “publish” those stories on the farm by reading them aloud to the very horses, goats, sheep, or bunnies who inspired them. And it’s not just for younger learners, even high schoolers have participated by creating and sharing graphic novels based on their barnyard experiences.
Bring Your Readers to the Farm
Read Across America reminds us how joyful and inspiring reading can be and Books in the Barnyard carries that inspiration forward all year long. Educators, librarians, homeschool families, and community groups are invited to experience Books in the Barnyard firsthand.
Interested in scheduling a visit or learning more? Submit your interest today!
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Main Stay is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and receives no state or federal funding. Through the generosity of individuals, private foundations, corporations and service organizations, Main Stay is able to touch hundreds of lives each year.
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