We’ve all seen famous figures standing up for what they believe in, making a difference, appearing powerful in their capacity to stand strong for a cause they support. But how can we pluck up the courage to face seemingly impossible obstacles and fight for justice? There is a wide range of inspirational leaders who have … Continued
Bristol, NH students squealed with delight as storyteller Duncan McDougall recounted the classic story of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. Duncan jumped around and used funny voices to bring the beloved story to life. This was the first of many visits from CLiF’s 64 talented authors, illustrators, poets, and storytellers that Bristol Elementary School will get this … Continued
Last week, JFK Elementary School English Language Learners spent a beautiful fall day at the Clemmons Family Farm in Charlotte, VT, listening to stories, making bean pies, and learning about African American art and culture. This special field trip was a memorable experience for these kids, who come from all over the world and are … Continued
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.
CLiF Presenter author/illustrator Jason Chin shares during his presentations his process for creating and revising his picture books (you can watch this video on Jason’s presentation at JFK Elementary in Winooski, VT this summer). He shows kids the various drafts his work has gone through to become his non-fiction picture books. He tells them about … Continued
CLiF couldn’t do what we do without the 64 amazing NH and VT authors, illustrators, and storytellers we work with. These talented folks travel all over NH and VT visiting kids at schools, libraries, summer camps and rec programs, after school programs, affordable housing units, and other places children spend time. One of our most … Continued
Do you remember that scene in Field of Dreams where Annie stands up to a parent trying to ban one of her favorite books? It’s a powerful moment when Annie defends free speech and the right to learn. Though that memorable scene was filmed nearly 30 years ago, banning books still happens throughout the U.S. today. … Continued
For the past 20 years, Duncan McDougall has successfully been raising funds (while telling stories to LOTS of kids) to support CLiF’s continued growth. We asked him to share his technique for fundraising and grant writing with our Year of the Book teachers at a past Community Literacy Conference. These tips are meant for beginner … Continued
I think the question I am asked most frequently by individuals, organizations and the media with respect to my children’s book series, Lady Lucy’s Quest, is this: Why would a former college president (and law professor) write children’s stories? Sometimes the question reveals genuine curiosity, a desire to understand why I write these children’s … Continued
Did you know today is National Read a Book Day? Consider this your permission to stop what you’re doing and READ A BOOK! That’s what we’re going to do, because here at CLiF, we love reading and we love sharing our love of reading (and writing!) with low-income, at-risk, and rural kids in New Hampshire … Continued
As schools, libraries, afterschool programs, and preschools ramp up for fall, we wanted to share some low-cost literacy program ideas that CLiF partners generated last year. Many of our grants now include an additional program component. The ideas listed here came from these CLiF opportunities: Last winter, CLiF added a $500 Revive grant to any … Continued
It’s been a busy summer at CLiF serving nearly 10,000 kids at 140+ Summer Readers events all over New Hampshire and Vermont! We’ve given away more than 18,000 books to kids in need and inspired them with CLiF’s passionate storytellers. At CLiF Summer Readers events, kids get to choose 2 new books for themselves from … Continued
I was lucky enough to be the Children’s Literacy Foundation 2018 summer intern. Unlike the typical intern you would see in pop culture, I don’t get the coffee. Instead I work behind-the-scenes doing program coordination, outreach, social media updates and administrative work. One of my favorite and most important jobs at CLiF is assisting in … Continued
When my fourth grade daughter started thinking about her informational writing piece, a culminating writing project of sorts, she initially focused on topics about which she was knowledgeable – myths (thank you Rick Riordan), dogs, skiing. I asked her what she wanted to learn more about, and her answer was the Taliban. I put that … Continued
Does your child love to write? How can you encourage her passion without turning writing into a chore? As I write this from a writers’ retreat in Lost River, WV, I’m reflecting on what’s helped my writing, from making up my own stories as a young child until now, as a Master’s candidate in Fiction … Continued
You know how important it is to make sure your kids keep learning during the summer months.
My family has been spending summers in the 1000 Islands in the St. Lawrence River since I was a child. As I have aged and introduced my own daughter to island living, it has become clearer to me how this place has influenced my life decisions, sense of friendship, love of the outdoors, and appreciation … Continued
On Sunday, July 8, CLiF’s staff gave away hundreds of children’s books to kids at the Vermont Lake Monsters game in Burlington. CLiF tries to get out in the communities we serve to let folks know what we’re up to in their area and to put books in the hands of even more kids. Several … Continued
CLiF has served over 350,000 children since 1998.