CLiF Rural Library Conference 2019
Thank you to the 80+ librarians who joined CLiF at the Briggs Opera House/Hotel Coolidge in White River Junction for the Rural Library Conference.
What’s New
Transform Technologies For Early-Age Children Into Writing Techniques
Writing is an essential mode of communication, which plays a vital role not only in academics but also in children’s futures.
Frequent Mistakes You Want To Avoid When Teaching Your Kids Writing
Here, we’ll go over the most common mistakes made when teaching kids to write, so that you can avoid them and be more helpful instead.
Reflections on a Summer at CLiF
Front Porch Forum doesn’t just help you find your lost dog or that bunk bed you desperately need for your kids. In my case, it found me a summer internship.
Literacy Is Not Only Reading To Write
Literacy is a set of skills needed to function in society. Communication skills, vocabulary, and comprehension are all essential, no matter what your personal or professional goals are. Literacy is not just about reading to write; it is an umbrella under which every aspect of thought processing and action comes with etiquettes. Below are some points to … Continued
General / Book Recommendations
Relax with Reading on Your Summer Vacation
One of my favorite things about lazy summer days is lounging in the sun with a good book. When I was in school summer was the perfect time to catch up on my eternally-long reading list. Now reading is one of my favorite things about a relaxing vacation. My husband and I recently returned from … Continued
Summer’s Here – Break out the Books!
Summer is finally here and it’s time to open a book and enjoy the sunshine! While your child(ren) may have a school-required reading list, it’s also important to encourage them to read what they want. The National Summer Learning Association reports that kids not engaging in educational activities during the summer can lose important gains … Continued
Teaching Kids How to Unleash Their Creative Writing Genius
When they’re given the freedom to create, children are some of the most imaginatively creative and free thinkers. Nurturing that creativity is important in order keep it active and to encourage them to continue being creative. And, creative story writing is a great way for them to exercise their imaginations and explore the reaches of … Continued
What Morocco Taught Me About Diverse Reading
Recently, I traveled to Morocco with family friends for a week.
How Writing (and Reading) Can Help Heal Trauma
Whenever I’ve dealt with something difficult in my life, I’ve turned to writing. Writing helps me process, work through challenges, and make sense of my emotions. It also helps me express myself to others. Sometimes the writing turns into something I share with the public; sometimes it never sees the light of day outside of … Continued
How to Help Your Child Improve Comprehension
Reading is a vital skill that builds the foundation of almost everything else your child will learn throughout their life. Learning how to read — and, more importantly, learning how to enjoy reading — is one of the key factors in your child’s academic success. Nationwide statistics also show that low levels of literacy can … Continued
The Year of the Book at Boscawen Elementary School
Authors, Illustrators, and Storytellers, Oh My! What do these things have in common? Well, they are all an integral part of the CLiF Year of the Book grant. Boscawen Elementary School in Boscawen, NH was one of ten schools across NH & VT that won this grant worth $25,000 for the 2018-19 school year. By … Continued
The Importance of Parent Involvement in Early Childhood Education
As parents, you are your child’s first and most important teachers. Parents have a hugely important role to play in shaping literacy, social and emotional skills. Parental involvement impacts directly and indirectly on a child’s learning. Here are some tips so you can involve yourself in your child’s development. Image Source: Pexels Reading … Continued
How To Help Your Toddler Learn To Love Reading
Fostering a love of reading can help set your little one up for academic success. It can also set the stage for a lifetime of enjoyment. But, just how do you teach your toddler to love reading? I have outlined a few tips below. Take A Trip To The Library Libraries are a great place … Continued
April is Poetry Month: Time to Rhyme (Not Really)
I have noticed that if you go into any bookstores that sell children’s books, the poetry section is quite thin. In some stores, children’s poetry books occupy one shelf. You will usually find something by Robert Louis Stevenson (commonly in an anthology) or something by Shel Silverstein. And there is an occasional book by other … Continued
Discovering the Stories Around Us – CLiF’s Community Literacy Conference
Q. What do you get when you bring 150 educators, librarians, and principals together for a day jam-packed with literacy? A. Inspiration, excitement for learning, and a whole lot of creative ideas! Yesterday, elementary educators from all over New Hampshire and Vermont joined us at the scenic Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT for our … Continued
“Living Documents”: Drawing a 3-Panel Comic from Primary Sources
NH cartoonist Marek Bennett explores history in the stick-figure adventures of teacher-turned-soldier Freeman Colby: My new graphic novel, The Civil War Diary of Freeman Colby, Vol. 2, depicts the historic events of 1863 from the point of view of a young NH school teacher (Freeman Colby) who enlists in the Union Army. To create … Continued
What is Writing? Advice from a Literacy Specialist
The question is not really what is writing, but what is good writing.