RIF = Reading Is Fundamental

If you have kids in elementary school, you may have heard them talking about children’s books and something that sounds like “riff.” Actually, it’s “RIF,” which stands for Reading Is Fundamental, the largest nonprofit literacy organization in the United States.According to Reading Is Fundamental,

RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through a national, grassroots network of community volunteers at 21,000 program sites, RIF provides 5 million children with 17 million new, free books and literary resources each year.

RIF's literacy programs involve students, parents, and the community. The RIF Web sites provide excellent reading-related resources for parents, caregivers, teachers, librarians, and kids.On the RIF Web site, you’ll find special sections for parents and educators. Resources include information about age-appropriate children’s books, articles, booklists by category, tips on reading aloud, online reading games, and much more. I particularly like RIF’s monthly activity calendar. The calendar, which is offered in English and Spanish, is available as a PDF file. Print a copy and hang it on your refrigerator for easy access to daily activities that promote reading.RIF Reading Planet is a terrific interactive Web site for kids that focuses on reading and children’s books. The site includes author interviews and all kinds of activities and word games. Poetry Splatter, Writers’ Blocks and Story Maker encourage creative writing. Children can also send e-postcards, review books, and share favorite links, among other things.There is even a free RIF Reading Planet Club that offers special benefits. RIF Planet for Kids is well worth regular visits.Reading Is Fundamental is a fine organization, providing valuable services to children, their families, caregivers, teachers and librarians. Take advantage of the online resources RIF provides. I do.