REAL

Supporting families of our youngest learners

What is REAL?

The Sheffield REAL (Raising Early Achievement in Literacy) project originated as a large pre-school intervention study, pioneered by the University of Sheffield which has since spread around the country. As part of the project, we work with parents to promote the Literacy development of children in Nursery. This provides an opportunity to work collaboratively with our families and increase engagement in home learning.

Central to the REAL project is the ORIM (Opportunities, Recognition, Interaction, Model) framework. The framework enables practitioners and families to plan and share activities around the four areas of literacy: environmental print, books, writing and oral language.

We share fun and engaging activities by modelling them to parents and carers and sending resources home, so children can continue their learning and be supported in the development of their oracy skills.

The purpose of engaging parents in developing early literacy is to develop their confidence and knowledge and improve outcomes for children. Through literacy events, home visits and online activities, we are able to share literacy knowledge with families in an enjoyable way and help to promote a positive home learning environment.