We know; you’re being bombarded with 50,000 articles and posts about remote learning and what to do with kids at home. It’s a lot. We’re here to help families, educators, librarians, and everyone with children in their lives to keep kids engaged in literacy no matter what’s going on in the outside world. Books are an escape, as well as a way to shine light on what’s going on and give your kids positive learning experiences, meaningful connections, and time to de-stress. It’s also important to keep those literacy skills polished at a time when many kids are at risk of falling behind in school. We’ve compiled lots of fun, easy-to-do-at-home resources for your family/students.

Cartooning

Graphic novels are super popular, even with reluctant readers. A few of our favorites include New Kid by Jerry Kraft, Smile by Raina Telgemeier, and the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney. Challenge your graphic novel-loving aspiring artists to come up with their own illustrations or try these fun cartooning activities from renowned cartoonists.

CLiF presenter/graphic novelist Marek Bennett does live-draws and how-to comics videos

Marek Bennett, author/illustrator of the Freeman Colby graphic novel series

Drawing/activities from CLiF presenter Eric Prinder’s book If All the Animals Came Inside

Author/illustrator Jarrett Lerner has tons of comic activities and drawing exercises

Writing Prompts & Tips

CLiF presenter Ann Braden leads a “What to Write When You Don’t Know What to Write” three-part series:

Ann Braden, author of The Benefits of Being an Octopus

Author Jason Reynolds leads two-minute writing prompts in his Write. Right. Rite. series:

Author/National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jason Reynolds

CLiF presenter Chris Tebbetts leads mini-writing workshops:

Read Alouds

PBS Kids read-alongs with Michelle Obama:

Educator Ms. Angela reads diverse picture books:

And more…

CLiF’s virtual author series (join us Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. EST for live sessions!)

Fun word games and printable activities

Resources and activities by age

More from CLiF presenters…

Resources for educators and librarians

Guide to learning at home

More fun literacy activities

Best New Diverse Children’s Books

Virtual Museum Tours

CLiF has served over 350,000 children since 1998.

Subscribe to our Blog