Children's Literacy Network

Program Overview

As a volunteer-driven nonprofit, Children's Literacy Network (CLN) works to close the early literacy gap and build a future where every child in Southeast Michigan—regardless of zip code—can thrive through access to robust, culturally responsive literacy education and personalized support.

Offering four literacy-based programs–based in the Science of Reading and aligned to State Standards–CLN works with schools, students, and families to support literacy skills development and increase the number of books in homes. Current programs include:

• FLIP (Family Literacy Interactive Program): FLIP provides guided PACT (Parent and Child Together) activities, relevant community resources, and brand-new gift books & prizes so that families have opportunities to build skills (and thrive!) together. Co-created with constituents based on their needs, FLIP is adaptable to varied spaces & times, encourages literacy development, & supports caregivers in vital areas for economic mobility.

• BookPALS & Virtual BookPALS: Our in-school BookPALS program and its virtual, after-school counterpart provides accessible, small group literacy engagement and brand-new gift books to 2nd & 3rd graders with the goals of mitigating learning loss, providing safe & positive peer socialization, and growing children's home libraries. Alongside CLN staff, trained and vetted adult reading mentors facilitate fun sessions for emerging & struggling readers to practice literacy skills and read together.

• Read with Kids: In partnership with Washtenaw Promise, students PreK-1st meet each week of the school year, building their early literacy skills through fun and engaging read-alouds and hands-on, Michigan ELA Standard-aligned literacy activities.

• Reading Stars, Readers Theater: This program offers an entertaining, engaging means of improving students' reading fluency and comprehension. It is designed to motivate reluctant readers through the creative outlet of theater for students in grades 2-5.

Cost Info