Overview

Early Learning Tips for Parents

Research shows one-on-one interaction between parent and child is critical for early learning. You can help your child develop important literacy and pre-reading skills. Five simple practices that help your child get ready to read are: ReadingWritingTalking, Singing, and Playing. Attending storytime helps children develop imagination, comprehension and attention skills.  

Explore the 5 Practices

Preschool Learning Tools

Practicing preschool skills can be both educational and fun. Explore our online learning tools together.

Go to Preschool Learning Tools

StoryWalks

Not all reading happens on couches. Walk (and jump and run) and read at a CADL StoryWalk.

Learn More

Early Learning Calendar

Print a calendar with daily activities that prepare children for success in kindergarten.

Get the Calendar 

Raising Reader Backpacks

Backpacks filled with books, toys, music CDs and DVDs on a kid-friendly theme.

Browse the Backpacks

CADL Tales

Tune in for CADL Tales, a show that features CADL librarians reading stories and sharing activities.

Watch CADLtales

 

Raising Reader iPads

Check out the full list of educational apps that we provide on our in-branch iPads!

Learn More

Blog Posts

CADL youth librarians are your partner in developing your child's love of reading.

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Celebrate reading for fun at your local library!
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Discover titles by authors with deep Greater Lansing roots.
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Join us for our Summer Reading Challenge.
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Tom and Sherri join Mari to discuss children’s picks and March is Reading Month.
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Mari is joined at the mic by special guest Lynn Harper, Branch Head at CADL Dansville, to take a look back at the titles they're excited about.

All Raising Reader Blog Posts

Storytimes & Playtimes

Family Storytime (Ages up to 6)

Wednesday May 8, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am Foster Engaging stories, songs and activities to help build early literacy skills. Read More

Discovery Playtime (Ages 0-6)

Wednesday May 8, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm Webberville Join us on Wednesday mornings for pretend play, engaging learning activities and a fun craft in a welcoming, drop-in environment. At 11:30 a.m., we read a book and sing together! Read More
All Storytimes

Staff Picks

Katie S. Recommends

Breaking Through the Clouds
Joanne Simpson overcame adversity to do what she loved: study the science of clouds. In the process she makes groundbreaking discoveries that help us understand better how clouds work and that aid in...
Read More

Julie C. Recommends

Living Ghosts and Mischievous Monsters
I loved the authenticity and diversity Jones brought to this collection of traditional stories. His appreciation and respect for American Indian culture shine in both his first-hand accounts and...
Read More
More Picks for Kids