

#REAL Collected and Distributed over 10,000 Children’s Books
The #REAL Program has successfully collected and distributed over 10,000 children’s books and worked with over 100 children (and their families) in just over one year since it was established in July of 2013. With the help of the donated minivan called THE #REAL MOBILE we are able to pick up and deliver gently used children’s books. What is the need? The mandate is for children to be reading at or above grade level by grade three, however, we have observed that children can


Happy Back to School to the REAL Kids at the Boys and Girls Club
The #REAL Program is getting ready to work with the kids at the Boys and Girls Club on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-5:00 from September 23-November 25. You will see some of the same faces this semester and you will meet some new friends. Jay Keshavan has returned to the University of Maine in Farmington where he is majoring in computer science. Ashley Stiles, after 3 years of volunteering with us, is starting her college career at Emmanuel College in Boston to become a #R


#REAL Reading and Literacy Opportunities
Reading for #REAL... This is a future #REAL Little Free Library...


Books, Stories, Boxes, Paper, Puddles, Popsicle Sticks, Music
This is a post about the first two weeks about this summer’s fun at The REAL Program. Every day the children select books that they can keep! In addition, they read books or they are read to by a volunteer. The books are donated from all over the region by people who understand the importance of reading to children. The books are good quality and our decision to give these books to the children is simply this: If you would give this book as a gift, it is suitable for donatio
The #REAL World of Summer
We have started our summer fun at The REAL Program! Children, adults, parents, teens, volunteers, students, board members, friends, neighbors, grandparents and all are enjoying learning and teaching together. The time goes by so quickly and the children do not want to leave. Today’s adventures centered around a wonderful puddle with an insect swimming in it. This prompted observation, investigation and, ultimately, raft building with popsicle sticks, glue, tape and markers. O


#REAL Literacy Grows
WE ARE EXCITED! #REAL books, #REAL gardens, #REAL fun starts next week.