Children who are read to frequently at age five are over half a school year ahead in reading performance at age 15, compared to those who are read to infrequently or not at all.
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Literacy resources for
Families and caregivers
Explore our extensive library of literacy resources for families and caregivers, including, downloadable tip sheets, videos, and more.
Latest resources
Looking for simple ways to support your child’s literacy at home? Check out our easy-to-use resources for parents and caregivers to help make reading and language part of everyday life.
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Downloadable Resource
Letters and Sounds Adventure Map
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Video
Your Words Grow Their World
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Downloadable Resource
Early Literacy and Screen Time Handout for Families in Nunavut (English)
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Activity, Webpage
Toronto Public Library: Ready for Reading, Birth to 5
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Activity, Downloadable Resource
Tips for Talking, Singing, Playing and Reading in the Early Years
Tip for reading together
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Books and Diversity
Science tells us that babies’ brains notice race in the very early months of life. Preschoolers have lots of questions…
Did you know?
The Lost & Found project
Lost & Found was a national project led by CCLF from 2022 to 2023, in which children across Canada participated in storytelling workshops, developed their creative skills, and shared their pandemic experiences.
The resulting stories, collected in a digital exhibition, highlighted the power of storytelling to build connection, resilience, and literacy.
While the project has ended, you can still explore over 1,500 children’s stories and download free activities to use at home or in the classroom.
Stay in the loop with the latest from CCLF.
Our quarterly Communiqué shares updates on our work, early literacy tips, inspiring stories, and resources for families and supporters across Canada.
Research and evidence
Want to know more about why early literacy matters so much?
Explore the research on how early reading habits shape your child’s learning, development, and future success.
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Research and PolicyTeaching Our Children to Read: Understanding the Reading Journey of Black Children in Canada
Teaching Our Children to Read dives into the systemic, institutional, and sociocultural barriers experienced by Black children in Canada, and how these challenges limit their future education and employment opportunities. It aims to shed light on the issues that Black families and service providers face when teaching Black children to read, and to identify opportunities for government, educators, local agencies, and community members to get involved and ensure that the right to read is realized for all Black children in Canada.
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Policy ReportWhat would it take… for every child in Canada to be learning foundational literacy skills by the age of five?
This landmark report explores what children need to begin developing foundational literacy skills by the time they enter kindergarten — and how Canada can build a system that ensures all children are on this path. Created in collaboration with the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC), What Would It Take… provides leaders across sectors with evidence-based insights and actionable recommendations to prioritize early literacy.
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SurveyThe Role of Early Literacy in Early Learning and Child Care: A Survey of Early Childhood Educators
In September 2021, the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation (CCLF) and the Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF) partnered on a national survey of early childhood educators (ECEs) to better understand the current role of early literacy and learning in child care settings in Canada, and to identify gaps and opportunities that may exist.
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Policy ReportAn Economic Overview of Children’s Literacy in Canada
Prepared by Deloitte Canada for the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation, An Economic Overview of Children’s Literacy in Canada paints a compelling picture of why investing in early literacy is the cornerstone of children’s health, education, future employment and income, and why it is critical for the future of Canada.
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Research and PolicyEarly Literacy Matters Roundtables 2020
To help address obstacles and strengthen our collective impact on early literacy, we hosted a roundtable series in early 2020 that attracted 100 attendees from 59 different organizations. In this report, you will read about what we heard from them: potential pathways to success, common challenges and how national, coordinated efforts can help advance early literacy efforts.