Articles by Sarah Hall
It’s never too early to start reading with your child. Because our brains begin to develop the building blocks of language during infancy, even newborn babies benefit from being read to by a parent or caregiver. Not only does reading aloud to your child help build their listening skills, vocabularies and attention spans, it is also a great opportunity to bond and create positive memories together.
The leaves are starting to turn, the air is growing brisker, and the pumpkin spice is running rampant. Fall is officially here, bringing with it a slew of seasonal literacy activities you can do with your child! As kids settle back into their school day routines, it’s a great time to instill an appreciation for reading and writing that extends beyond the classroom setting.
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, the perfect time to take your child to sign up for their first library card! In today’s fast-paced digital age, where information is just a click away, it can be too easy for some to overlook the timeless appeal of the library. However, libraries remain an invaluable resource for cultivating a love of reading and learning, especially among children. The simple act of acquiring a library card opens the door to endless possibilities for a child, while establishing the groundwork for a lifelong relationship with an institution where everyone is welcome.
General / Book Recommendations
At the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF), we’re big believers in encouraging kids to choose their own books, but we also recognize that a little guidance can be helpful. With that in mind, we asked some bookish pals to recommend some of their favorite books for readers aged 8 to 12. Here’s what they said.
CLiF sends out a print newsletter twice a year, sharing stories from our programs, news from our partners and presenters, our map representing the sites we serve, and of course, lots of pictures from our events! If you don’t currently receive our print newsletter, and would like to, please send us an email!
The CLiF team recently met to discuss the pool of applicants for our 2023-2023 Rural Library grant, and to select this year’s recipients. This grant is designed to help small-town libraries in Vermont and New Hampshire create excitement around reading, increase circulation, and strengthen relationships with the communities they serve.
The Children’s Literacy Foundation’s At-Risk program supports children in Vermont and New Hampshire who are at increased risk of growing up with low literacy skills. The program provides equitable access to inspiring literacy resources and high-quality reading materials to children in both states who might otherwise go without.
At the Children’s Literacy Foundation, we are huge fans of the many independent bookstores we partner with across New Hampshire and Vermont. Special recognition goes out to our bookstore friends who are holding book drives for CLiF this holiday season.
At the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF), our work revolves around inspiring children to feel joy and excitement about reading and writing. Among the ways we accomplish this goal is through our flagship program, CLiF’s Year of the Book, one of our nine literacy programs.
At the Children’s Literacy Foundation, our work focuses on serving Vermont and New Hampshire children at highest risk of growing up with low literacy skills. It’s never been more important to ensure kids in our communities have equitable access to enriching literacy experiences and resources. CLiF’s programs serve children in shelters and affordable housing; refugee, foster, and migrant children; children in rural areas; children of incarcerated adults; children scoring below standard in schools; and many others.
General / Book Recommendations
In honor of Halloween, we’ve conjured up a list of our favorite spooky books for young readers who appreciate a a few tingles down their spines. No tricks, all treats.
At the Children’s Literacy Foundation, back-to-school season is always a busy, but exciting, time. We are launching new partnerships, building new headquarters, and most importantly, sharing books and stories with kids.
While dog appreciation occurs daily at CLiF, in celebration of National Dog Day, we’re giving our pups the spotlight they deserve. In keeping with our children’s literacy mission, each furry friend has selected (okay, we chose for them) a favorite work of canine literature to share. Without further ado, meet the dogs of CLiF!
One of the Children’s Literacy Foundation’s core programs is our At-Risk grant, which supports children up to age 12 in Vermont and New Hampshire who are at higher risk of growing up with low literacy skills.
CLiF Executive Director Duncan McDougall spoke to VTDigger this week about plans for the Children’s Literacy Foundation’s new headquarters.
We’re hiring! The Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF), an award-winning nonprofit based in Waterbury Center, Vermont is currently seeking two new team members: a Literacy Program Manager and a Development/Finance Coordinator.
After much research, our CLiF team of experts has determined that one of the best methods of distracting oneself from irrational fears is by reading to or with a child. In honor of Friday the 13th, a day historically linked with unluckiness, we’ve rounded up a selection of books with protagonists prone to misfortune and misadventure.
This Saturday is Independent Bookstore Day, an annual one-day party held at bookstores nationwide the last Saturday in April. It’s always a great day to drop by your local bookshop, as many stores plan fun events such as author talks, book signings, storytelling sessions, giveaways and more! At the Children’s Literacy Foundation, we are huge … Continued
CLiF has served over 350,000 children since 1998.