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
CLiF staff and presenters are saddened that COVID-19 means we can not visit schools, libraries, and out-of-school-time programs to complete our exciting grants. Instead, we offer your students the chance to interact live with our presenters from home. For five weeks starting May 5, each Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. EST, we will have an opportunity … Continued
When you want your child to learn something new, the most important thing is to show him that the learning process will be interesting and engaging. Forcing your child to write and driving him into a rigid framework can result in a lack of interest/engagement in writing. For a preschool child, these are all abstractions … Continued
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 / Book Recommendations
Getting your kid tucked into bed without any fuss can be an uphill battle some nights, and getting them to stay asleep can be even more of a struggle. If you want to make bedtime run a little smoother, try incorporating a nighttime routine into your regular evening schedule to help your child wind down … Continued
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
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.
One of our popular presenters is author/illustrator Marty Kelley, who has written or illustrated books such as Almost Everybody Farts, Summer Stinks, and A Cape! We asked him what inspires his work.
The question is not really what is writing, but what is good writing.
It often goes back to reading. Children and teens who read the most tend to become more successful in school than those who do not.
After a difficult year, kids deserve some fun this summer! Fortunately for New Hampshire and Vermont children, they have CLiF to bring stories to life and give away brand new books to treasure. CLiF’s inspiring storytelling presentations by NH and VT authors, illustrators, and storytellers get kids excited about reading and writing and encourage strong … Continued
General / Book Recommendations
This weird school year is almost over, which means one thing…summer reading! Sure, school-required reading lists can seem like just another thing to do, but make sure to take time to read what you enjoy – and let your kids do the same! One of my favorite things about summer is posting up in a … Continued
The Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) has several grant programs currently available to libraries, classrooms, and programs serving low-income, at-risk, and rural kids (ages 12 and under) in New Hampshire and Vermont. Please help spread the word to educators, librarians, and those whom you know who work with youth! CLiF Program Manager Jana Brown says, “During … Continued
One of the special things about CLiF is that we work with 66 of the best children’s, middle grade, and young adult authors in Vermont and New Hampshire. In normal years, we send them to schools, libraries, homeless shelters, prisons, camps, and more spaces where kids and families spend time in NH and VT. They … Continued
This post offers some research and activities for both reflecting on lessons learned this year and thinking about what components have value for the future. FOR EVERYONE Watch Using Books to Engage Young Children to Talk About Race & Justice, Part 1 and Part 2 How to teach with living poets’ work Join VTLIB and … Continued
RESCHEDULED for Friday, June 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. ESTStories of My Life (A Memoir)Sign up here Katherine Paterson is the author of more than 30 books, including popular children’s and young adult books such as Bridge to Terabithia, The Great Gilly Hopkins, and Jacob Have I Loved. She’s won the National Book Award twice, … Continued
Book Club for Grown-ups / CLiF Spotlight / Education
It’s a busy few weeks at CLiF! During the pandemic, we’ve been offering free virtual programming for kids, families, educators, and the general public. We’ve got some exciting events coming up in the next week and we hope that you, your classroom/program, or family can join us. Illustrating Nature with Author/Illustrator Jason ChinThursday, April 22, … Continued
Friends, it has been a year. A year of remote or hybrid school and work, a year without live events, programming, and activities, and, for many, a year of hardship. It’s also been a tough year for educators and librarians, who have been working hard in an ever-shifting world to ensure kids and families still … Continued
Literacy Activities / Education
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 / Presenter Profiles / CLiF Spotlight / Education
CLiF would like to introduce or re-introduce you to Jon Gailmor of Elmore, VT. Jon has been writing and performing music internationally since 1971. He finds inspiration in family, pets, fighting for equal treatment of all people, sports, Vermont, beautiful places, and current events. Watch Jon’s presentation here. Things to think about: Do you write of the … Continued
April is National Poetry Month and we’re kicking it off by celebrating the talented young poets who bravely submitted their work to our Kids’ Poetry Contest. We were so impressed with the dozens of submissions we received and are proud to share these students’ work (with their permission)*. Winners and runners up were selected in … Continued
Literacy Activities / Presenter Profiles / CLiF Spotlight / Education
CLiF would like to introduce or re-introduce you to John Steven Gurney of Brattleboro, VT. John wrote and illustrated the graphic novel series Fuzzy Baseball series and the picture book Dinosaur Train. He has illustrated over 140 chapter books, including the chapter books A to Z Mysteries, the Bailey School Kids, and The Calendar Mysteries series. He has illustrated board games, advertising, posters, puzzles, … Continued
Writing / Book Club for Grown-ups
Friday, April 23rd, at 7:00 p.m. EST Sign up here. Since the fall, we’ve been offering a Book Club for Grown-ups with New Hampshire and Vermont authors who write for kids and adults. It’s a chance for grown-ups to connect with local authors and discuss a good book. We’ve talked to Sarah Stewart Taylor, Rajnii … Continued
General / Presenter Profiles / CLiF Spotlight / Education
CLiF would like to introduce or re-introduce you to Karen Gross of Bennington, VT and Washington, DC. Karen is an educator and author, writing books for both children (early-childhood through Grade 6) and adults. Her Lady Lucy Series is well-known and has been read to over 3000 children across the globe. Watch Karen’s presentation here. Things to think about … Continued
Literacy is one of the most important abilities we can pass on to children. This is not just vital from a technical life skills perspective, either. Reading, writing, and communications skills open us all up to a diverse and rich world. They help us to connect more deeply with one another and better understand the … Continued
General / Presenter Profiles / CLiF Spotlight / Education
CLiF would like to introduce or re-introduce you to David Martin of Lyndonville, VT. David likes to write books about animals for new readers. He only saw himself as a writer after reading lots of books to his own kids, and never thought he would leave New York City. Watch David’s presentation and find out … Continued
General / Presenter Profiles / CLiF Spotlight / Education
CLiF would like to introduce or re-introduce you to Natalie Kinsey-Warnock of Glover, VT. Many of Natalie’s book borrow from her life in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. She describes herself: “I am an athlete, naturalist, artist and writer…I am an outdoorswoman, enjoying hiking astronomy, bird watching, and creating watercolor and pastel paintings of wildflowers, birds, and landscapes. … Continued
Research / Literacy Activities
It’s March – CLiF hopes you are enjoying longer days, lingering relaxation found during winter break, and hope from good vaccine news. How did you celebrate Read Across America day? CLiF used lock down to thoroughly review our book list and audit it for diverse authors and characters. Like many libraries, and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, … Continued
61% of low-income families have no children’s books at home.