Our Learning Model:
READ – CREATE – REFLECT – SHARE
A Story-Based Participatory Learning Model That Motivates Children to Listen or Read, Think, Create, Reflect, and Share
READ — CREATE — REFLECT — SHARE
READ–CREATE–REFLECT–SHARE is a story-based participatory learning model that motivates children to listen or read, think deeply, create something of their own, and, when they choose, share their voices and ideas with a real audience.
The model can be used at home, in libraries, in schools, in homeschool communities, and in children’s programs.
A Simple Cycle with Many Possibilities
Learning Does Not Have to End When the Story Ends
A story can become a drawing.
A scientific idea can become an illustration, a model, or a new question.
A character’s choice can lead to a conversation about courage, kindness, honesty, or responsibility.
A meaningful page can become a child’s recorded reading and personal reflection.
READ – CREATE – REFLECT – SHARE
gives children different ways to engage with ideas while preserving space for imagination, individuality, and honest expression.
READ
Read, Listen, and Discover
Children begin with something meaningful:
- a fairy tale, myth, legend, or family story;
- a classic literary text;
- a science story or fascinating fact;
- a story about a virtue, emotion, or life skill.
“READ” includes both independent reading and listening. The goal is to introduce an idea, story, question, or experience that can spark curiosity.
- A Story for Every Day
- Kids Science Adventures
- Legends & Myths of the World
- Virtue Tales Club
- Life Skills for Kids
CREATE
Imagine, Draw, Write, Make, or Read Aloud
Children respond by creating something of their own.
They may:
- draw or illustrate;
- write a story, reflection, poem, or letter;
- create a simple model or visual explanation;
- read a passage aloud;
- express an idea through color, form, words, or voice.
The creative response is not about copying an example or finding one correct answer. It gives children a way to transform what they discovered into personal expression.
REFLECT
Think, Discuss, Explain, and Connect
Children are invited to pause and consider:
- What did I learn?
- What surprised me?
- What did this story make me feel?
- What virtue or meaningful idea did I notice?
- How does this connect with real life?
- What question do I still have?
Reflection may be spoken, written, drawn, or shared through a short conversation.
It is not a test and does not require a single “correct” interpretation.
SHARE
Give Children’s Ideas, Voices, and Creations a Real Audience
Children may have the opportunity to share their work with a real audience and to feel that their ideas, voices, and creations are seen and valued.
Sharing may take place with a partner, a small group, a family, a local community, or—through the annual 365 for Kids programs—with audiences across the United States.
Every activity includes an opportunity to share. Public participation and online publication are optional and require parent or guardian permission.
Three Pathways for Learning and Discovery
Stories & Literature
Fairy tales, myths, legends, classic books, family stories, and multicultural storytelling invite children into new worlds, perspectives, and experiences.
Science & Discovery
Short science stories introduce children to nature, animals, space, the human body, technology, engineering, oceans, natural phenomena, and the science behind everyday life.
Virtues, Emotions & Life Skills
Stories and guided questions help children notice kindness, empathy, courage, responsibility, communication, emotional awareness, and everyday choices.
One Model — Different Ways to Use It
At Home
Families may use READ — CREATE — REFLECT — SHARE as:
- a short daily listening routine;
- a bedtime story and conversation;
- a weekly art activity;
- a science discovery moment;
- a family discussion about a virtue or meaningful choice.
There is no required schedule. Families can choose the rhythm and materials that work best for them.
At Libraries, Schools & Community Programs
Educators and community partners may use ready-to-use activity guides for short 30–60 minute sessions.
Activities are designed to be flexible, low-cost, and adaptable to different age groups and settings.
Through Annual Nationwide Programs
Children may extend their experience by submitting artwork, recorded reading, or writing to the annual 365 for Kids programs:
Flexible by Design
READ — CREATE — REFLECT— SHARE is not a rigid curriculum and does not require children to complete activities in a fixed sequence.
It is a flexible, story-based participatory learning model that can be used:
- once;
- as a short series;
- as a weekly routine;
- throughout the year;
- with one collection or across several content areas.
Partners may adapt the duration, discussion questions, and creative materials to fit the children and families they serve.
Begin with a Story, an Idea, or a Question
Choose something to read or listen to.
Create a response.
Pause and reflect.
Share the idea, question, voice, or creation in a way that feels appropriate.
A meaningful learning experience can begin with one small moment.