Archive for Blog

Book Recommendations For Talking to Preschoolers About Race

We are an organization committed to doing our part in facilitating productive conversations about social injustice and racial equity. This work can start with you. These are just a few titles to add to your little reader’s library!

Helping Readers Build Stamina

What do the following people have in common: a runner completing a marathon, a long-distance swimmer crossing the English Channel, and a second grader reading for 20 minutes? Stamina, that’s what! Just as athletes train each and every day to go farther, be stronger, and reach their athletic goals,…

Top 5 Ways to Inspire Young Writers

If your child is a reluctant writer, it can be hard to know where to start. The good news is that all children have creative imaginations and often just need a little encouragement to put their ideas on paper.

Foster a Love of Words in Your Children

Foster a love of words with your children! Here’s a list of some easy ways you can build passion for words in children.         

Easy Tips for Reading and Writing at Home

There are so many opportunities for children to engage in reading and writing when they are out of the classroom!

3 Great Tips for Story Time

Toddlers love to hear their parents read out loud. Storytime combines some of your child’s favorite things: snuggling, interesting illustrations, & your voice. To get the most out of story time with your little one, try implementing the “Three T’s”: talk, track, and turn.

The Read – April 2020

CLI’s quarterly e-newsletter provides updates on CLI’s work with students and educators, inspiring stories from Literacy Champions in the communities they serve, and book recommendations to promote early literacy in school and at home.

CLI Welcomes a New National Board Member

Children’s Literacy Initiative (CLI), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to improve early literacy outcomes, recently announced the addition of Frank L. Gettridge—a lifelong advocate for, and leader of, initiatives that advance education, policy and racial equity—to its Board of Directors.

2020 Youth Media Awards Honor Diverse Picture Books

Among the winners and honorees of this year’s Youth Media Awards are a number of outstanding picture books featuring diverse children and communities.  Touching on gratitude and generosity, immigration and identity, friendship and family, here are some of my favorites. 

Native American Heritage Month Book List

Children’s Literacy Initiative celebrates Native American Heritage Month with great books! Honor the traditions, artistry, activism, and everyday lives of Native peoples with these high-quality read alouds by Indigenous authors and illustrators.