Spanning 10 states and 49 Bureau of Indian Education schools, the FACE Growing Readers Program has taken root in Native American communities across the U.S.
FACE Growing Readers
K-1 and FACE students at BIE schools have an opportunity to receive books for their home library. Educators help their families enroll in the program, which is completely free to the school and family, thanks to BIE funding through the Family and Child Education Program (FACE).
How Does This Program Work?
Once families have registered to receive books, packets will begin arriving either directly to their home mailing address or given to them by their teacher on a weekly basis. The program continues for six months (25 weeks).
Who Can Sign Up?
Any family who attends a FACE program or who has a Kindergartener or 1st grader in the BIE school system can register to receive books. FACE and K-1 teachers also can sign up for the program and receive the books.
What is Included?
Each packet contains four picture books, plus family literacy tips that inspire a daily routine of shared reading.
The books are small and easy to read. Topics support math, literacy, social/emotional, and active learning.
At least one book in each packet reflects American Indian family life and culture.
Families also can access the Growing Readers Digital Library to enjoy listening to more books. The digital books are narrated in many Indigenous languages.