The R.E.A.L. program uses this research base and supports mentors directly by providing them with book-specific guides that can be used before, during, and after their read-aloud to promote engagement and understanding for children. These supports include 1) introductory content to use while introducing the book to students, 2) questions to use while reading, and 3) discussion prompts to deepen understanding after the read-aloud. In addition, resources for defining expectations and building genuine connections through mentorship are also outlined in the Mentor Success Guide. Planning for success before mentorship opportunities is important, but research shows that transitioning this preparation into effective implementation can be an even more important driver of success (Leo & Stoeger, 2023). This guide allows mentors to make this leap by describing the steps and strategies that they can use to promote a clear, easy, and authentic experience for both the mentor and the children. Some examples of strategies recommended for mentors include practicing pronunciations of unfamiliar words that appear in the book they will be reading and using the read- aloud as an opportunity to bond with the children (e.g., before reading, say, "This book is about food! What are some of your favorite foods?").
Figure 2. An example of the Mentor Success Guide as it appears on the R.E.A.L. Digital Resources page
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SCHOLASTIC R.E.A.L. FOUNDATION PAPER
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