What’s New

Articles tagged Reading

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

A Bookworm’s Search for Forgotten Stories

From a very young age, I was a bookworm to such an extreme that it was sometimes problematic. I read at the dinner table, despite my parents forbidding it. I read in the car, even though it made me throw up. I read on play dates, not caring that my friends found me boring. My … Continued

General / Writing

Reading (and Writing) in a Pandemic

On a recent trip to the laundromat, I reflected upon how even the most mundane errand requires more of us these days. Once I would have shown up with my dirty clothes and a book to pass the time; now I come armed with added essentials: my mask, hand sanitizer, my vaccine card. The Omicron … 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

5 Games to Teach Your Child Reading

Reading is one of the most important skills that help a child develop. However, as many parents know, helping children learn to read is not an easy task. But if you approach this issue creatively, you may be surprised to find out that it takes a few games to make this process simple and fun. … Continued

General

Do you have an advanced young reader?

I was that kid on the playground who always had a book in my hands. I was excited to do elaborate book reports and talk about the books we read and often disappointed by my classmates’ disinterest. I got teased for being a dork. This made me think I should be ashamed of doing the … 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

General

How Reading with My Mom Saved My Life

Eighth grade was not a good year for me. Along with the usual teenage angst and social awkwardness, I was deeply depressed and anorexic. I spent a week at the Teenage Psychiatric Ward at the Keene State Hospital two-and-a-half hours from home. This was a harrowing experience and deterred me from seeking mental health care … Continued

Literacy Activities / Education

Free Literacy Resources for Children and & Adults from the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF)

For 23 years the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) has supported and inspired young readers and writers and their families in every corner of New Hampshire and Vermont. Here’s a list of free online resources to help entertain and inspire young readers and writers, as well to help adults share books and stories with children. Enjoy! … Continued

General / Education

How to Make Children Fall in Love with Reading

As a parent, you already know how important reading is to children. Studies have shown that the attitude of a child towards reading and learning is the strongest indicator of how well he or she will do in school, regardless of their economic or social background. Studies have also shown that children who read for … Continued

Research

New research: Teaching, enjoying, encouraging reading and writing

Happy 2020 from your friends at CLiF. Compiled here, new research and insights for everyone working to improve success in and love of kids’ reading and writing. Get more program ideas from our website. For everyone: – Mississippi was the only state to see improvement in reading assessments, four things they are doing– Why children … Continued

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

General

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

General / Writing

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

CLiF has served over 350,000 children since 1998.

Learn More

Subscribe to our Blog