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

Baby Storytime

Friday Jul 26, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am Foster - In Library

Stories and movement for our youngest readers and their caregivers. Recommended for ages 0-2.


Discovery Playtime

Friday Jul 26, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am Leslie - In Library

Enjoy exploratory activities to help build early literacy skills. For ages 3-6.


All Storytimes

Staff Picks

Tina G. Recommends

Camp Quiltbag
Twelve year Abigail and thirteen year old Kai find friendship, acceptance and community at Camp Quiltbag, a camp for LGBTQ+ youth. Well written, lovely book. I enjoyed it a great deal and highly...
Read More

Anita S. Recommends

A Good Place
Introduce the importance of pollinators and bugs in our gardens to children. Lucy Cousins's timeless illustrations are paired with a powerful message.
Read More
More Picks for Kids