A teacher since 2001, JuneFrances Anderson is a literacy teacher and coach at Oakland Elementary in Denver. JuneFrances discusses coaching and training, and how book collections are benefiting her classroom. What were your initial expectations about CLI? I really didn’t know a lot about CLI when I started here at Oakland this year. How do you feel about CLI …
Partners in Literacy: Glenda Smiley
Throughout Glenda Smiley’s 15-year career as a teacher in New Jersey, she has taught pre-K to 3rd grade and 5th grade. Glenda also has had the unique opportunity of looping with her students (following them to the next grade) twice in her career. A 2nd grade teacher last year, Glenda followed most of her students to 3rd grade for …
Creating a Successful Word Wall
The Word Wall is the place in your classroom where high-frequency words are housed after you have taught them (other important words such as vocabulary or theme words should be posted elsewhere). The Word Wall serves as a visual reminder and reference tool for your students that they can use whenever they read or write. A Word Wall makes it …
Partners in Literacy: Andrew Eckhorn
Andrew Eckhorn is a 3rd grade teacher at John Hay Community Academy in Chicago. A teacher since 2012, Andrew discusses his work with CLI and how he has seen improvements in his classroom.What were your initial expectations about CLI? I expected to learn how to facilitate a literacy block (a balanced program of literacy instruction) that would meet the …
Partners in Literacy: Rebecca Eisenman
Since 2010, Rebecca Eisenman has worked as a teacher. Currently, she is a kindergarten teacher at Dr. William Mennies School in Vineland, NJ. Rebecca shares why she loves working with CLI. What were your initial expectations about CLI? I didn’t know much about CLI, but I was excited to use its best practices. I also was excited to learn …
Partners in Literacy: Madeleine Glowienka
Since 1992, Madeleine Glowienka has worked as a teacher. Currently, she is a 1st grade teacher at Anna L. Lingelbach School in Philadelphia. CLI asked Madeleine about her experiences and expectations partnering with CLI. Partners in Literacy Glenda Smiley Andrew Eckhorn Rebecca Eisenman What were your initial expectations about CLI? I had few—basically I was unsure how it could/would really …
Develop a Great Relationship with Teachers by Asking These Questions
As a new school year begins, it’s necessary to develop a strong partnership with your child’s teacher. Start by asking your child’s new teacher about schedules, routines, and policies; learning and culture in the classroom; and communication and support. The following questions will help lay the groundwork for the year ahead: What daily and weekly schedule will my child be …
Children’s Literacy Initiative & W.K. Kellogg Foundation Partner in a Significant Way
Philadelphia, Pa. — Children’s Literacy Initiative (CLI), a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Philadelphia, has been awarded a $250,000 grant by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Mich. Between June 1, 2016 to November 30, 2017, the grant will help to improve teacher instructional practice by providing an evidence-based early literacy professional development program to teachers and their high-need …
Spectacular Book Series for Summer & Beyond
Everyone loves a good series. For children, reading books in a series provides opportunities to visit familiar characters, settings, and plot structures multiple times. Summer is a crucial and important time for kids to keep up their reading skills, and getting hooked on a great series can be the perfect way for young readers to stay on track. Remember to …
Children’s Literacy Initiative Receives Three-Year Grant from Pew
Philadelphia, May 4 — Children’s Literacy Initiative (CLI), a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working with educators locally and nationally to get more children reading proficiently by 3rd grade, announces that it has been awarded a grant by The Pew Charitable Trusts to increase the number of Philadelphia-area pre-kindergarten classrooms offering quality early literacy instruction. The grant, totaling $186,000 over three years, …