Explore a family literacy model that equips caregivers with foundational decoding skills beyond traditional ESL, strengthening adult literacy and their ability to support children’s reading.
About This Session
Description
This session explores a case study of Readers 2 Leaders’ Family Reading Cohort, a program designed to help multilingual caregivers build the foundational reading skills needed to support their children at home. While many adult ESL programs effectively build language proficiency, they may have limited focus on foundational reading skills such as how sounds map to print. This model can complement traditional ESL instruction but does not require prior ESL participation, as it directly teaches how English works.
Participants will learn how this approach builds caregiver confidence and strengthens both adult and student literacy outcomes. We will walk through key components of the model, including program structure, instructional approach, and implementation considerations. Attendees will also review outcomes and discuss how elements of this model could be applied within their own programs.
What we'll cover:
This session is designed for program administrators and literacy leaders interested in strengthening family literacy outcomes through adult instruction. Using a case study of Readers 2 Leaders’ Family Reading Cohort, participants will explore how explicit instruction in how English works can support multilingual caregivers in building foundational reading skills and confidence.
Participants will:
- Examine the role of foundational reading skills in adult and family literacy settings
- Understand how this model complements, but does not depend on, traditional ESL instruction
- Review key components of the program, including structure, instructional approach, dosage, and delivery
- Explore instructional strategies that are effective for multilingual adult learners
- Analyze program outcomes and how growth in adult literacy and caregiver confidence is measured
The session will include structured opportunities for participant interaction. Attendees will engage in a brief reflection activity to identify where foundational reading skills are currently addressed within their own programs and where gaps may exist. Participants will also complete a guided “program mapping” activity to identify one actionable step they can take to strengthen foundational reading instruction in their current context.
Time will be included for small-group and whole-group discussion, allowing participants to share insights, ask questions, and consider how elements of this model could be adapted for their own organizations.
Participants will leave with a clear understanding of a practical, replicable approach to family literacy that builds both adult skills and student reading outcomes, along with a simple tool to support implementation planning.
Topics & Focus
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Assigned by TCALL
Pending
Audience
Level
Case study?
Promotion?
A note from the presenter:
Come ready to reflect on your current program and identify one small, actionable shift to strengthen reading outcomes.
Handouts & Materials
No handouts or materials available at this time.
“Name of Session” – session presentation slides (PDF)
Name of Document – lesson sample (PDF)
Name of Document (PDF)
Name of Document – infographic (JPG)
Presenter
Sarah Lewis
Vice President of Programs
Readers 2 Leaders
Sarah Lewis is the Vice President of Programs at Readers 2 Leaders and a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) and Qualified Instructor. She is also a Dyslexia Therapist recognized by the Academic Language Therapists Association and the state of Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Sarah brings over 20 years of experience working with students and educators in literacy development, including roles as a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, literacy coach, and program consultant. She has extensive experience training educators, families, and community partners in structured literacy and the science of reading, with a focus on practical, research-based strategies that improve outcomes for struggling readers.
In her current role, Sarah leads the design and implementation of Readers 2 Leaders’ literacy programs, including the Family Reading Cohort, which equips caregivers with foundational decoding skills to support reading at home. She has facilitated numerous professional development sessions and cohorts for educators and families and is committed to expanding access to effective literacy instruction for multilingual learners and underserved communities.
Her work centers on building sustainable, high-impact literacy programs that strengthen outcomes for both learners and families.
Breakout26 – LEWIS
Page checked or updated: 6/10/2026
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