Scholastic R.E.A.L. is a literacy-based mentoring program that invites members of the community to lead interactive read-alouds for students in Grades PreK–8.
Scholastic R.E.A.L. | Grades PreK–8
A Mentoring Program with a REAL Impact
Recruit and equip mentors from your community to support students’ success in school and in life.
Scholastic R.E.A.L. | Grades PreK–8
A Mentoring Program with a REAL Impact
Recruit and equip mentors from your community to support students’ success in school and in life.
REAL Mentorship
What Is a R.E.A.L. Mentor?
Teaching children to read takes teamwork, and families and teachers can't do it alone. Watch Christian Adair explain how R.E.A.L. mentors fill gaps in children's lives and advocate for their success.
“It’s very rare [that] you can find a literacy program that’s going to engage everyone. Everyone has a piece of that puzzle, everyone can be involved in some form.”
–Christian Adair
REAL Impact
Whether you work with a school, library, or community-based organization, R.E.A.L. makes a lasting difference in the lives of children, families, and mentors.
Expand Home Libraries
Nurture reading with take-home books for each student.
Maximize Community Partnerships
Recruit and equip positive role models from your community.
Foster Academic Growth
Expand knowledge, comprehension, and a love for reading.
Study results show that literacy mentorship programs can have a particularly powerful impact on children's reading and language outcomes.
Fives et al., 2013; Ritter et al., 2006; LaVenia & Burgoon, 2019
REAL Research
Research shows that academic mentoring positively impacts children’s cognitive, social, and academic development.
Scholastic R.E.A.L. | Foundation Paper
Learn how R.E.A.L. uses evidence-based concepts, such as interactive read-alouds, modeling by adults, and family engagement.
Home Libraries | Topic Paper
This paper details the importance of creating a literacy-rich home environment for all children and outlines the essential components of a student home library.
Meet R.E.A.L. Mentor | Christian Adair
Christian Adair is the founder and director of Alpha League and a coordinator and program partner for R.E.A.L. He has helped recruit 500 R.E.A.L. volunteers who have held 10,000+ read-alouds in Fayette County, KY.
Explore the Program
R.E.A.L. gives you everything you need to build a successful mentorship program. A base set supports one mentor, 10 students, and four months of mentorship.
High-Quality Books
Four titles with 10 copies for students and one for the mentor (44 books total)
Student Guides
Engaging reading and writing activities that strengthen literacy skills
Family Guides
Activities to encourage family participation and at-home reading (available in English and Spanish)
Community Recruiting Guide
Customizable letters to support your mentor recruitment
Digital Resource Site
R.E.A.L. includes digital versions of all program guides and materials for families and mentors.
Professional Learning for Educator Success
Facilitated Implementation Support
Getting Started with R.E.A.L.
Prepare step-by-step plans for recruiting mentors, training teachers, and ensuring children’s academic success through interactive read-alouds.
Consultative Planning
Receive ongoing feedback and support to maximize the impact of R.E.A.L.
Enhance Your R.E.A.L. Experience
My Books Every Day
Nurture the relationship between families and schools with our books-to-home literacy program.
Rising Voices Library
High-quality books and instructional materials broaden the perspectives of all students.
Ready to Make a REAL Difference in Your Students’ Lives?
