What’s New

Articles by Erika Nichols-Frazer

General / Writing

How reading and writing got me where I am

When I was young, all I wanted to do was read and write (those two things are still pretty much at the top of my list). I was one of those kids who always had a book open—on the playground, at lunch, in line for anything. I loved writing poems and stories like I saw in my beloved books. Sometimes this caused other kids to tease me, but I could always get away by immersing myself in stories, whose characters I sometimes identified with more than the other kids in school.

General

Introducing Sarah Hall, CLiF’s New Communications Manager

CLiF is thrilled to announce our new Communications Manager, Sarah Hall. Sarah joined CLiF in January 2022, and manages press and outreach, including newsletters, social media and our blog. A lifelong bookworm, she studied American Literature at Middlebury College, and earned her master’s degree from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. After grad … Continued

General

What the CLiF Team is Reading

The CLiF staff is a team of readers and writers dedicated to sharing our passions with children and families. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that when you ask the CLiF team what they’re reading, rarely do you get a short answer. Here are some of the books on our bedside tables. Duncan Why Be … Continued

General / Writing

What I’ve Learned in Five Years at CLiF

After five years and four months, the end of December marks the end of my time as CLiF’s Communications Manager. I’m pursuing my dreams of being a professional writer, going full-time at my other part-time job as a staff writer for my local paper, with two books on the way. It’s time for me to … Continued

General

Give a Child a Book this Holiday Season

The holidays are a time of giving and you can give a special gift to a child by purchasing a book at a participating book store. Each year, independent booksellers across Vermont and New Hampshire collect new books for the low-income, at-risk, and rural kids (12 and under) whom CLiF serves. You can help spread … Continued

Year of the Book / Writing

Thank you for giving kids the gift of writing

On Giving Tuesday, our generous donors helped us raise over $4,000 to support writing workshops in Manchester, NH and Highgate, VT as part of our Year of the Book grant program. One of the goals of the Year of the Book program is to increase enthusiasm for reading and writing and encourage kids to do … Continued

General / Year of the Book

Support Writing Workshops this Giving Tuesday

Writing is an essential skill for children’s success in school and beyond. It helps kids express themselves and process their emotions, develop necessary communication and comprehension skills, and use their imaginations. It can also be a great way to tell family stories and connect to others in their communities. CLiF’s $25,000 Year of the Book … Continued

General / Book Club for Grown-ups

YA Night with CLiF

When: Friday, November 19, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. EST Where: Anywhere! (via Zoom) Register here. Join us this month for a virtual Young Adult (YA) Night with author Meg Kearney (pictured above), author/librarian Erin Moulton, writer/educator Beth Little, and librarian Yahira Vallario. Open to all ages. The panel will discuss the genre, trends, book recommendations, … Continued

General

CLiF Seeks Communications Manager

CLiF is hiring! We’re looking for a part-time (24 hours/week) Communications Manager to join our team. Work will be based in our Waterbury Center, VT HQ, though may be remote during the pandemic. We’re looking for a dynamic communications professional to manage our external communications, media relations, and overall outreach. Communications duties include: pitching media … Continued

Writing

Young Writers – Submit to CLiF’s Halloween Writing Contest

Calling young writers 12 and under in New Hampshire and Vermont – submit to the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) Halloween writing contest! Send your spookiest (or silliest) Halloween story to danny@clifonline.org by October 31, 2021. Please include your name, age, and mailing address (so we can send the winners books – you will not be … Continued

Writing

The Importance of Adults in Young People’s Lives

Of course, peer-to-peer relationships are important to a child’s social-emotional learning and development, but so, too, are relationships with adults. Multigenerational relationships can be fulfilling for everyone involved and it’s essential for kids to have positive, supportive adults in their lives to make them feel safe, loved, and seen. Adults have knowledge and experiences to … Continued

Education

The Importance of Teachers

From first through third grade, I was in a multi-age class taught by Mrs. A. I loved Mrs. A. She read to us every day and encouraged my passion for making up stories. She was the first teacher to tell me I was a talented writer and could be a real author in the future. … Continued

Literacy Activities

Literacy Activities to Try with Your Students

Sorry, educators, but summer’s winding down, in-services are starting up, and it’s time to think about the school year ahead (hopefully, a little more “normal” than last year?). We know you’re looking for fun and engaging ways to help your students improve their skills and knowledge base while keeping their attention after a tough two … Continued

General / Literacy Activities

5 Literacy Activities to Try with Your Kids

Reading together is one of the best ways to prepare your child for future success in school and long after. But there are ways besides reading a book that can help them engage in literacy, hone their skills, build vocabulary and comprehension, while having fun! CLiF’s website has TONS of fun, free or cheap ideas … Continued

General / Book Recommendations

What the CLiF Team is Reading This Summer

At CLiF, we love to read. That’s probably why we spend our time helping kids discover that love for themselves and embark on a lifelong journey of enjoying literature. Summer offers some much-needed time to dig into your To Be Read pile and relax with a good book (or 3. Or 4.). Here’s what the … Continued

Writing

How to Help Your Child Become a Better Writer

Writing is an essential life skill. In our digital world, written communication is more important than ever. Without a doubt, your child’s future education and employment will require some form of writing, whether it’s on tests/exams, essays/papers, or emails, copy, and reports. There’s no doubt that your child will use their writing skills for the … Continued

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