General

Thank You for Giving Books to Children with Incarcerated Parents!

Yesterday was #GivingTuesday, a day to take a break from all the holiday shopping and give back to the causes that are most important to you. We asked our supporters to donate new books to the children of incarcerated parents who we serve through our Children of Prison Inmates program. We’re donating beautiful new books … Continued

General

Give a Child with an Incarcerated Parent a New Book

It’s #GivingTuesday, a day to take a break from all the shopping and chaos of the holidays and give back to causes that matter to you. This year, we’re raising $2,000 to provide new books for children with incarcerated parents at our partnering prisons’ holiday events, and we need your help! Imagine being a child … Continued

General

Giving Thanks

As we gather to give thanks with our friends and families this week, we’re thankful for something else, too – you! Your support and championing literacy for all kids makes what we do possible. Each year we serve many thousands of kids in need and give away more than $750,000 in new children’s books – … Continued

General

New research: reading, kids, and community

FOR EVERYONE Acknowledging our implicit bias and helping students recognize theirs Banning books for prisoners Books and bikes – making both fun from Virginia to Texas Practice your handwriting – it is good for your brain! Connected Teaching for classrooms, workplaces, and communities More on the opportunity/achievement gap(s) Research: Urgent Call to Improved Reading and … Continued

General / Research

Why the CLiF Model Works

We know literacy is important. But how do we help encourage early literacy skills in the kids most at-risk of falling behind? CLiF’s programs emphasize a love of reading and writing and encourage children and families to do it more often, while providing support and resources. All of CLiF’s program include a professional storyteller getting … Continued

General / Writing

How to Help with Rough Drafts

The process of writing begins before you actually put pen to paper (or words on a screen). Many people find “pre-writing” helpful, notes or an outline to help guide their writing. Some prefer to just jump in and start writing and see what happens. There’s no “right” way to go about writing. Some kids are … Continued

General / Writing

In Praise of Failure

As a writer, I fail. A lot. Since January, I’ve submitted 116 times and gotten 69 rejections. But I’ve also gotten five acceptances, including winning Noir Nation’s Golden Fedora fiction prize, told extremely personal and difficult stories in HuffPost and OC87 Recovery Diaries, and got an Honorable Mention from Glimmer Train. In short, I’m doing … Continued

General / CLiF Grant Applications

CLiF’s Open Grant Applications

All of CLiF’s programs are free and awarded via grant application. Here are the currently open grants: At-Risk Children (Spring 2020)Deadline: December 11, 2019 What the Grant Provides: -A storytelling presentation with one of CLiF’s presenters -An optional parent discussion on tips for reading with kids -An onsite children’s library for the program -Two new … Continued

General / CLiF in the News / Year of the Book

The CLiF Year of the Book News

CliF’s Year of the Book grant for the 2019-2020 school year is now underway at 10 schools throughout New Hampshire and Vermont! The grant includes many author visits and workshops, free family events, literacy-related programs, new books for the school and local public library, plus TEN new books for each student to choose! Read about … Continued

General

Early Childhood Motor Skills and Physical Development Through Physical Activity

The health benefits of physical activity are many. Physical activity is crucial for cognitive, physical, emotional and social development, especially in a child’s early years. Children as early as toddlers require physical activity for good health, development of motor skills and physical development. Physical activity like running, throwing, catching or jumping helps strengthen the muscles … Continued

General

How Simple Exercises Can Help Kids With Their Studies

According to studies, children who work out are more likely to do well in their studies. Read on to learn how exercise can benefit your child, both physically and mentally, and how you can encourage your child to exercise. Boost Your Child’s Concentration with Exercise  At school, every day, kids are dealing with a number … Continued

Reflections on a Summer at CLiF

General

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.

General

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

CLiF has served over 350,000 children since 1998.

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