by Betsy Brainerd (Arapahoe Libraries) & Melody Garcia (CLEL Communications Chair) We followed up with CLEL’s 2021 Hero Award winner, Betsy Brainerd, for some words of encouragement. Betsy is the Early Literacy Supervisor for Arapahoe Libraries and was nominated last year in recognition of her work with the Begin with Books program and ongoing support …
Do you sing counting songs in storytime? Do you talk about more and less? Or read stories that compare sizes and shapes? You may be doing more to increase early literacy in your storytime than you realize! New research shows that children with a strong foundation in early math gain greater proficiency in both math …
April is National Poetry Month and the perfect time to remember author and photographer, April Pulley Sayre. Although she never self-identified as a poet, her lyrical rhymes and rhythms partnered with stunning nature photography have always been on my list of go-to picture books when I want to share poetry with young children. And there …
Angela McCaffery / West Custer County Library District For a few years now the West Custer County Library has been hosting a playgroup. The weekly playgroup is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. The playgroup was originally started by a patron. She asked if she could use the children’s area in the Library once …
Last month CLEL reached out to our members through email and an open meeting about a bill moving through Colorado’s Senate Education Committee that will affect public libraries tremendously; S.B. 22-004: – Evidence-based Training in Science of Reading. This Thursday, February 10, the Colorado Legislative Education Committee is meeting to discuss SB22-004. We need you …
The CLEL Bell Picture Book Awards are an annual recognition of five high-quality picture books that provide excellent support of early literacy skills for young children in each of five categories: read, write, sing, talk, and play. Eligible books were published or distributed in the United States between November 16, 2020 and November 15, 2021. …
by Laura Buck / Douglas County Libraries What an inspiring speech we heard from our keynote speaker Lucia Gonzalez! In this time of uncertainty because of the pandemic, Lucia talked about how we are all on a personal journey. She graciously shared her story with us about coming to this country and finding solace in …
by Peter Brown (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) Published May 4, 2021 When Fred’s adults discover him dressed in his mother’s clothes, the whole family takes part in a dress-up session. This is a great example of adults following the child’s lead in play, as well as embracing nontraditional gender expression.
by Larissa Honsek (Familius) Published May 25, 2021 Follow along with the clay characters to move your body!
by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky) Published January 12, 2021 The parent motivates the child to take a bath by making it a time for pretend play.
