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  • Getting Started
  • Implementation Resources
  • Reading Resources

About R.E.A.L.

Get information about the R.E.A.L. program design and benefits through information sheets and video messages for various audiences. 

Program Overview for Principals and Administrators

R.E.A.L. Program Design and Framework

What is R.E.A.L.?

For Districts

For Teachers

For Students

For Families—English

For Families—Español

Materials Overview

Here you’ll find details about program components from the books to the supporting guides.

Walk-through of the Materials in the R.E.A.L. Program

R.E.A.L. Product Unboxing

Program Components

Book List

Interactive Read-Alouds

Find inspiration with these videos that highlight the power of interactive read-alouds.

Building Excitement Around Literacy

Why Host Interactive Read-Alouds?

What Is an Interactive Read-Aloud?

Families, Mentorship, and Home Libraries

Learn how education leaders are leveraging home libraries, mentorship, and family engagement to support literacy.

The Power of Home Libraries: What Does the Research Show?

The Power of Mentoring

Bridging Family and Community Partners to Propel Student Achievement

About Program Partner, Christian Adair

Research

Dive into research that spotlights the transformative impact of reading and home libraries.

Home Libraries: The Impact of Home Libraries on Academic Achievement, Economic Success, and Health

Reading for Life: The Impact of Youth Literacy on Health Outcomes

Implementation

Browse the Implementation Guide to learn about the R.E.A.L. program. Use the guide and the resources below for successful implementation.

Implementation Guidelines for R.E.A.L. Success

R.E.A.L. Implementation Planner

School Leaders Survey

Facilitator Survey

Family Survey English

Family Survey Español

Student surveys

How to Administer the Student Survey

Student Pre-Survey

Student Post-Survey

Community Recruiting

The Community Recruiting Guide provides a range of letter templates for recruiting mentors from a variety of sources. Browse the resources below for additional tools to support your recruitment efforts.

Mentor Recruitment Ideas

Mentor Recruitment Flyer

Mentor Event Flyer

Mentor Recruitment Letters

Mentor Application Form

Information Sheet for Prospective Mentors

How to Recruit Mentors

Communications

Here you’ll find resources for program outreach and communications, including handouts for families, administrators, and mentors.

R.E.A.L. Announcement Letters

Read-Aloud Reminders to Families to Support Attendance

Mentor Read-Aloud Schedule Template

Mentor Follow-up Emails

Program Overview for Families and Community–In English and Español

Mentor Success

The Mentor Success Guide equips mentors with valuable information for managing their read-alouds, and for building meaningful connections with kids. Help mentors prepare and find inspiration with the resources below.

Mentor Best Practices

How to Implement an Interactive Read-Aloud

In Mentor’s Words: Easy and Impactful

In Mentor’s Words: Diversity and Rewarding

Celebration and Encouragement

Here you’ll find letter templates for encouraging mentors, thank-you card templates that students can use to thank mentors, and certificates for program facilitators, parents, and students.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

When thirteen-year-old Aven, who was born without arms, moves with her family to a theme park, she forges a bond with Connor, who has Tourette syndrome. Together, they face mysteries and middle school.

Bouncing Back

Twelve-year-old Carlos was a star basketball player. But now that he uses a wheelchair, he feels like he is starting over. He finds new strength and possibility when he joins a wheelchair basketball team.

Tiny Infinities

Alice starts staying late at the pool, practicing breaking a swim record, instead of facing the challenges at home—her dad is moving out. She forges a new and peculiar friendship and proves her independence.

Counting by 7s

Willow Chance is a 12-year-old genius who finds it comforting to count by sevens. When her parents die in a tragic accident, she manages to push through her grief, forging deep relationships and friendships.