Walking 900 Miles to Paris: Uncovering Family Stories in Hardwick, VT
They say everybody has a story. Research an entire community, and you’re bound to harvest a bushel basket of unforgettable tales.
What’s New
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.
Announcing CLiF’s Two-Sentence Winter Writing Contest!
CLiF is pleased to announce our 2023 Winter Writing Contest, open to kids 12 and under who live in Vermont or New Hampshire. The challenge: In exactly TWO SENTENCES, tell us a story about winter. Entries must be submitted by email or postmarked by Feb. 28. Read on for more details.
General / Literacy Activities / Book Recommendations
Get Ready for World Read Aloud Day!
Start practicing your character voices and expressive intonations because World Read Aloud Day is coming up on February 1, 2023!
This bookworm-friendly celebration was founded by LitWorld in 2010, and honors the power of reading aloud, while advocating for literacy as a fundamental human right.
Meet Mary Edith Leichliter, CLiF’s New Project Specialist
I am so glad to introduce myself as CLiF’s new project specialist. I joined the team in December 2022 in a role I think of as a “utility outfielder,” supporting our programs and working to build new partnerships across Vermont and New Hampshire.
Spotlight on CLiF’s At-Risk Program
The Children’s Literacy Foundation’s At-Risk program supports children in Vermont and New Hampshire who are at increased risk of growing up with low literacy skills. The program provides equitable access to inspiring literacy resources and high-quality reading materials to children in both states who might otherwise go without.
Shop Small, Local and Literary!
At the Children’s Literacy Foundation, we are huge fans of the many independent bookstores we partner with across New Hampshire and Vermont. Special recognition goes out to our bookstore friends who are holding book drives for CLiF this holiday season.
Spotlight on CLiF’s Year of the Book
At the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF), our work revolves around inspiring children to feel joy and excitement about reading and writing. Among the ways we accomplish this goal is through our flagship program, CLiF’s Year of the Book, one of our nine literacy programs.
Inspiring a Love of Literacy Is More Important Than Ever
At the Children’s Literacy Foundation, our work focuses on serving Vermont and New Hampshire children at highest risk of growing up with low literacy skills. It’s never been more important to ensure kids in our communities have equitable access to enriching literacy experiences and resources. CLiF’s programs serve children in shelters and affordable housing; refugee, foster, and migrant children; children in rural areas; children of incarcerated adults; children scoring below standard in schools; and many others.
General / Book Recommendations
Spine-Tingling Kids’ Books for Halloween
In honor of Halloween, we’ve conjured up a list of our favorite spooky books for young readers who appreciate a a few tingles down their spines. No tricks, all treats.
CLiF Grant Applications / Partner Stories / CLiF Spotlight
CLiF Partner Stories: Meet Chrissy Wade
We’re fortunate here at CLiF to have a committed and wide-ranging collection of partners, many of whom we’ve known and served for decades. The Waterville Town Library, which received a Rural Libraries grant for 2022-23, is one of these programs. Grant coordinator and volunteer Trustee Chrissy Wade wrote and received a CLiF Rural Libraries grant twenty years ago when she first moved to Waterville, Vermont!
Travels with Yoshi: Pownal, VT
In the wee hours of a dark and foggy September morning, I was slumbering peacefully, as is my habit, when suddenly I heard Duncan’s voice, urgently summoning me. “Yoshi! Wake up. We have work to do!” As CLiF Canine-in-Residence, I have many daily responsibilities, but on this day, I could tell he had something different … Continued
Fall Updates from CLiF
At the Children’s Literacy Foundation, back-to-school season is always a busy, but exciting, time. We are launching new partnerships, building new headquarters, and most importantly, sharing books and stories with kids.
Farewell to CLiF
With my year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA reaching its end, and the summer ramping down after another successful season of presentations made and books delivered to children and families, I thought I might reflect on my time with the Children’s Literacy Foundation, and what I’ve learned in the last year.
Happy National Dog Day from the Dogs of CLiF!
While dog appreciation occurs daily at CLiF, in celebration of National Dog Day, we’re giving our pups the spotlight they deserve. In keeping with our children’s literacy mission, each furry friend has selected (okay, we chose for them) a favorite work of canine literature to share. Without further ado, meet the dogs of CLiF!
Meet Cassie Willner, CLiF’s New Program Manager
Greetings! My name is Cassie and I’m so excited to join the CLiF team as the new literacy program manager and support our incredible mission dedicated to expanding literacy skills amongst Vermont and New Hampshire’s children and youth.
All About CLiF’s At-Risk Program
One of the Children’s Literacy Foundation’s core programs is our At-Risk grant, which supports children up to age 12 in Vermont and New Hampshire who are at higher risk of growing up with low literacy skills.
Writing / Research / Literacy Activities / Education
Mid-Summer Inspiration
Whether you are a CLiF partner taking a well-deserved break, fully engrossed in summer reading, or managing kids at home or in a program, we can still make summer fun intersect with reading and writing. CLiF offers ideas and insights to help keep excitement up around reading and writing for your students and for yourself!