Blog & Newsletters

August 19, 2023

July 13, 2017 Trying to read a book but struggling to correctly read the text or accurately comprehend the story can be frustrating, especially for early learners. It is important for children to have books that are “just right,” or on their appropriate instructional reading level, in order to enhance early literacy skills and build […]

August 25, 2017 Read our second post in the Grants 101 Blog Series to learn more about the foundations you should pursue for funding, and tips on completing the grant application.

April 6, 2018 One of the most important components of writing a grant application is how you tell your story. How do you craft your elevator pitch and describe your project or program you are seeking funding for in a clear and concise way? AWE Learning’s Grant Writer has provided some suggestions to consider when […]

June 18, 2018 The internet is a great resource. While it provides infinite amounts of information, browsing the internet simultaneously comes with risks, such as accessing inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and only predators. It is important that all users, specifically early learners, are aware of cybersafety, so they can take advantage of what the internet offers […]

November 19, 2018 Public libraries welcome all individuals within the community and serve as a free space that allows everyone to feel safe and find opportunity. Libraries provide resources, programming, workshops and more to all ages, backgrounds, languages and educational levels.

April 1, 2019 Applying for a grant, and receiving a rejection can certainly be disappointing, not just to the project but to the amount of time you put into writing a request. It is important to learn from these opportunities. If possible, ask for feedback from the foundation, and use this information to improve your […]

November 13, 2019 AWE Learning is excited to have Joanna Masten, Ph.D., join the AWE Learning team. She is very passionate for early learning and has many years of experience with early childhood education. Read about our interview with Joanna to learn more about her background, how she sees AWE Learning’s digital learning workstations fitting […]

November 2019 The November Newsletter features fall and holiday-themed printables, information on our NEW Platinum workstations, details on our current promotions (including our Customer Reference Program), upcoming tradeshows, autumn-themed books, and so much more!

February 2020 The February Newsletter features our 25th Anniversary, NEW Platinum demo schedule, featured content, Customer Support tip, grant writing tip, book suggestions, and more!

April 16, 2020 You’ve probably heard the term summer slide, but now with schools closed due to COVID 19, the term COVID slide has developed. COVID slide refers to the projected academic impacts that COVID-19 has from school closures. We’ve made a list of some FREE academic resources we have available to keep your children […]

September 2020 The September Newsletter features free printables for your young learners, September promotions, back to school tips, summer reading series overview, and more!

December 2020 The December Newsletter features free holiday-themed printables for your young learners, information on our NEW Platinum Online offering, holiday book suggestions, and more!

February 18, 2021 While children are attending school remotely or are in-person with minimal peer collaboration, it is important to spark creativity in your young learners at home. Increase opportunities for your kids to think outside of the box, resulting in less “I’m bored” statements! Read this post to learn more about ways to spark […]

March 2021 The March 2021 newsletter features new product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners in your community and review our library re-opening tips to prep your workstations for your re-opening!

April 16, 2021 April is Financial Literacy Month! Financial literacy is defined as the ability to understand and effectively use financial skills such as personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. While many financial literacy concepts may seem too advanced for elementary students, exposing children to money at a young age is important.

June 28, 2021 The June 2021 newsletter features product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities, and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners!

October 18, 2021 The October 2021 newsletter features product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities, and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners!

March 31, 2022 The March 2022 newsletter features product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities, and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners!

June 30, 2022 The  June 2022 newsletter features product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities, and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners!

August 4, 2023

Our inaugural newsletter and blog post includes an introductory letter from our President, Deborah Sorgi, some fun activities for spring and summer, a look at AWE Learning’s exclusive Customer Portal tool, and much more.

In August of 2016, we put together the “greatest hits” of reports and relevant early literacy news in the past few weeks, along with a history lesson (and quiz) on public libraries, some fun back-to-school resources for your young learners, and much more.

Do you read aloud to your child? To your class? To your library visitors? Research has shown that reading aloud to young learners has a variety of positive benefits, including but not limited to increased language development, academic success, strengthened parent-child relationships and a long-term love for reading.

As a collective group, our perceptions of reality and even our literacy skills develop from the environment to which we are exposed, and the experiences that we have. As young learners mature, they are exposed to a considerable amount of literature.

When it comes to early literacy, the opportunity for young learners to gain experience with coding has increased exponentially. Coding makes it possible to develop the computer software, apps, and websites that young learners will continue to use with increasing frequency. Increased exposure to these basic skills, even at an early age, can help children […]

Our November newsletter features fun and engaging resources with a Fall theme, including printable activities for young learners, administrative support guides, and creative ways to incorporate your AWE Learning solutions into your programming.

Young learners are often known to ask, “why do I need to know this?” or ”when will I ever use this?” If students are unaware of how a topic is relevant to their life, they are less inclined to focus and absorb the lesson. With the incorporation of digital learning technology, authentic learning has become […]

The incorporation of personalized learning strategies offers unique opportunities for early childhood development. Personalized learning allows teachers to assess students’ strengths and needs to create learning plans that are aligned to their interests. It also focuses on academic standards to cater to the needs of each young learner in the classroom.

Among adults and children alike, social media is a ubiquitous part of life throughout the world. Educators are particularly focused on how to manage the daily use of social media by young learners, as well as the possibilities it presents in terms of in-classroom learning or library programming.

As academic standards evolve, curricula are revised, and digital learning resources are integrated, it is important for educators to develop their teaching skills via professional development. With limited time available, educators face the need to balance professional development with what will be most helpful for their students to excel.

Family engagement is about the knowledge, values, and actions that enable children to be successful learners. For schools and libraries, family engagement refers to meaningful partnerships with parents that provide the opportunity to be active in the learning and development of their children.

Third grade is considered a critical turning point for early childhood learning. After young learners gain early literacy and language development skills, their learning ability increases for all STREAM subjects.

Informal learning describes education that is much less organized and takes place outside of the classroom setting. These environments can include libraries, museums, online communities, child care centers, and other organizations.

Our February 2017 newsletter features downloadable activities for young learners, a featured makerspace, book recommendations from an AWE Learning Advocate, a helpful customer support tip and much more!

English Language Learners (ELLs) are students who are learning English, and for whom English is not their first language. According to ASCD, it is often difficult for ELLs to master STREAM and social studies concepts, particularly because they do not have the necessary literacy skills and vocabulary to comprehend the teaching material.

Early learners are curious individuals and are intrigued by the people and environment around them. Exposure to nonfiction works as part of early literacy development helps build knowledge and familiarity with the real world.

As technology evolves and plays an increased role in our everyday lives, e-books have become more widely used. Their interactive features are valuable to young learners as they build their early literacy skills.

Paired reading, or partner reading, is a research-based fluency strategy often used with readers who struggle with or lack fluency. It builds collaboration, encourages cooperation, and supports peer-assisted learning.

The broad availability and use of digital tools – particularly tablets – has recently led to the increased use of mobile technology for young learners. Tablets and other digital devices offer endless opportunities for young learners to develop their early literacy skills in the classroom, library, afterschool programs, and at home.

The presence of graphic novels in various learning environments has increased in recent years. Graphic novels incorporate elements of other art forms to create an engaging experience for young learners. The visual images make it less intimidating for early learners to read as they practice and gain early literacy skills.

The May 2017 newsletter features resources for your summer reading programs, customer spotlights, support tips, and more!

Guest blogger, Tina Hager, Library Director & AWE Learning Advocate, shares tips on building a makerspace at your library. A large budget, huge space, and lots of staff are not needed in order to have a successful makerspace for your patrons. Read Tina’s tips on resources, programming, and strategies to create your library’s makerspace!

Summer Slide refers to the loss in knowledge and skills learned when the formal learning that takes place during the school year ends. Engaging your early learners in literacy-based activities will help to prevent the summer slide. Read more for ideas on helping your early learners avoid academic learning loss this summer!

Trying to read a book but struggling to correctly read the text or accurately comprehend the story can be frustrating, especially for early learners. It is important for children to have books that are “just right,” or on their appropriate instructional reading level, in order to enhance early literacy skills and build confident readers.

We had an opportunity to ask our full-time Grant Writer some questions to provide suggestions in guiding your organization’s grant search process. Read our post for some tips on finding eligible grants to apply to.

Prep the early learners in your community for the new school year with back to school themed math & literacy printables and book suggestions. Read about what’s new with AWE Learning, product tips, current promotions, and more!

Read our second post in the Grants 101 Blog Series to learn more about the foundations you should pursue for funding, and tips on completing the grant application.

Read our third and final post in the Grants 101 Blog Series to learn more about what to expect after submitting your completed grant application; including tips for awarded grants and denied grants.

Play, recreation, amusement, or fun, it not about doing; it’s about being. When early learners engage in play, they explore spatial relationship, hone motor capabilities, practice social skills and language, think creatively, and gather information about the world through their senses.

Read our November Newsletter for holiday-themed printables, Fall & Winter picture book recommendations, Customer Support tip, and more!

November is National Picture Book Month. Picture books promote the development of creativity and storytelling skills. Rather than simply listening to a story, picture books encourage children to tell a story.

Manipulatives, often associated with learning mathematical concepts, are physical objects that are used as teaching tools to engage students in hands-on learning. Manipulatives play an integral part in the Concrete Stage of learning, prior to entering the Representational Stage and Abstract Stage.

AWE Learning is pleased to announce that our Early Literacy Station™ is a Platinum Award Recipient in the 2018 Modern Library Awards from LibraryWorks! Read the official press release here.

Manipulatives are engaging for early learners and increase their level of excitement when learning to read and write. When early learners are able to interact with the stories they are reading or listening to, they are able to grasp a great understanding and draw meaning from the text. Manipulatives also assist early learners through the […]

AWE Learning’s quarterly newsletter features early learning resources, book recommendations, featured libraries, customer support tips, highlighted software titles, grant resources, and more!

One of the most important components of writing a grant application is how you tell your story. How do you craft your elevator pitch and describe your project or program you are seeking funding for in a clear and concise way? AWE Learning’s Grant Writer has provided some suggestions to consider when writing your library’s […]

Word walls, or a collection of words which are displayed in large visible letters on a wall or bulletin board, help to build early literacy skills for young learners. Read some tips on how to build a word wall in your library or home, and how to introduce it to your early learners.

AWE Learning’s quarterly newsletter features Summer Reading resources, Video Contest details, Customer Spotlight, conference highlights, webinar schedules, grant tips, and more!

The internet is a great resource. While it provides infinite amounts of information, browsing the internet simultaneously comes with risks, such as accessing inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and only predators. It is important that all users, specifically early learners, are aware of cybersafety, so they can take advantage of what the internet offers in a safe […]

It is beneficial to expose children to music beginning at a young age. Music helps the body and mind work together, and aids in developing school readiness skills; including intellectual, social and emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy.

AWE Learning’s quarterly newsletter includes Customer Support Tips, FREE back-to-school printables, Welcome Kit details, our promotional offer, and more! Don’t miss the book suggestions to get your early learners excited about going back to school!

The growth of technology has certainly increased our use of and comfort level with typing on a keyboard. However, research has shown that there is a positive correlation between strong handwriting skills and increased academic performance in reading and writing.

When early learners participate in art activities, they are able to engage their creative side, explore their emotions, and practice a wide range of skills that are helpful in both life and learning. Art allows children to practice decision making, build their vocabulary, develop fine motor skills, and more!

Searching and applying for grants can be a difficult process. AWE Learning’s Grant Writer has provided some tips on how to search and apply for local grant opportunities, as well as how to compile the data necessary to provide to grantors if the grant is awarded.

AWE Learning’s quarterly includes holiday-themed printables and book suggestions, articles for professional development, our 2018 Video Contest winner, and more!

Public libraries welcome all individuals within the community and serve as a free space that allows everyone to feel safe and find opportunity. Libraries provide resources, programming, workshops and more to all ages, backgrounds, languages and educational levels.

Young learners are taught handwriting at an early age. Should typing skills go hand in hand with learning handwriting? We live in an innovative society where typing is widely used. Young learners enjoy being enthralled in technology. Why not teach them typing while they’re young, engaged and excited?

AWE Learning is pleased to announce that our Early Literacy Station™, AfterSchool Edge™, and LiteracyGO™ Tablet are Platinum Award Recipients in the 2019 Modern Library Awards from LibraryWorks. Read the official press release here.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 20-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center. Learn more about the different grant opportunities the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has available. Our Grant Writer to available to help you complete your application!

AWE Learning’s quarterly includes holiday-themed printables, Modern Library Award Announcement, Customer Support tips, articles for professional development, and more!

Read Across America Day is celebrated on March 2nd, Dr. Seuss’s birthday, to motivate and emphasize the importance of literacy in student achievement. Read more about the history of Read Across America Day, and some suggestions for your celebrations!

There are a plethora of foundations that provide funding to their community! When looking into foundations for funding for your library, there are a number of items you should keep in mind. This includes checking geography limitations, foundation focus, giving amounts, and deadlines.

Applying for a grant, and receiving a rejection can certainly be disappointing, not just to the project but to the amount of time you put into writing a request. It is important to learn from these opportunities. If possible, ask for feedback from the foundation, and use this information to improve your future applications.

National Library Week is celebrated April 7-13, 2019 to honor the valuable roles libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening the communities they serve. This year’s National Library Week theme is Libraries = Strong Communities.

AWE Learning’s quarterly newsletter includes FREE summer-themed worksheets, discounts, customer spotlight, support tips, and more! Don’t miss the summer reading book suggestions around this summer’s Summer Reading program theme – outer space!

Research shows that there are optimal times to learn a second language. Studies illustrate that learning a second language is easier as a child, when the language center of the brain is still developing, than as an adult. There are many benefits to knowing a second language, including increased career opportunities when the child is […]

Social and emotional learning (SEL), has become an increasingly popular term. Social and emotional learning gives students the skills to create a positive school climate which leads to academic success and building problem solving and communication skills, both in the classroom and for their future work environment.

AWE Learning’s quarterly newsletter includes FREE back to school worksheets, discounts, customer spotlight, support tips, product savings and more! Don’t miss the Professional Development section, featuring back to school book suggestions for your early learners.

Technology is widely used in our daily routines. Young learners growing up with technology, are referred to as digital natives. We must take the proper steps to ensure that the digital learning resources we put in front of our children are age-appropriate. Read our blog for some tips on identifying digital learning resources for your […]

AWE Learning is excited to have Joanna Masten, Ph.D., join the AWE Learning team. She is very passionate for early learning and has many years of experience with early childhood education. Read about our interview with Joanna to learn more about her background, how she sees AWE Learning’s digital learning workstations fitting into childcare and […]

The November Newsletter features fall and holiday-themed printables, information on our NEW Platinum workstations, details on our current promotions (including our Customer Reference Program), upcoming tradeshows, autumn-themed books, and so much more!

The February Newsletter features our 25th Anniversary, NEW Platinum demo schedule, featured content, Customer Support tip, grant writing tip, book suggestions, and more!

You’ve probably heard the term summer slide, but now with schools closed due to COVID 19, the term COVID slide has developed. COVID slide refers to the projected academic impacts that COVID-19 has from school closures. We’ve made a list of some FREE academic resources we have available to keep your children learning (and busy)!

The May 2020 Newsletter features a company update from our CEO & President, free worksheets and lesson plans, promotional offers, our thank you for all that you do, COVID slide resources, and more!

The school year is just around the corner, but it will likely look much different than the typical school day we’re used to. Due to the impact of COVID-19, districts are planning remote learning, modified in-person instruction, or hybrid learning. We must remember that learning is not limited to just the classroom setting, and we […]

The September Newsletter features free printables for your young learners, September promotions, back to school tips, summer reading series overview, and more!

Brain breaks are mental breaks designed to help students stay focused and attentive. While children are home participating in remote learning, it is important to take brain breaks. These breaks provide processing time for students to solidify their learning.

The December Newsletter features free holiday-themed printables for your young learners, information on our NEW Platinum Online offering, holiday book suggestions, and more!

While children are attending school remotely or are in-person with minimal peer collaboration, it is important to spark creativity in your young learners at home. Increase opportunities for your kids to think outside of the box, resulting in less “I’m bored” statements! Read this post to learn more about ways to spark creativity at home.

The March 2021 newsletter features new product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners in your community and review our library re-opening tips to prep your workstations for your re-opening!

April is Financial Literacy Month! Financial literacy is defined as the ability to understand and effectively use financial skills such as personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. While many financial literacy concepts may seem too advanced for elementary students, exposing children to money at a young age is important.

Singing with children brings them joy and entertainment. Nevertheless, singing with them beginning at a young age has also been proven to have many early literacy benefits. This includes building their vocabulary, learning about and identifying rhymes, practicing listening skills, and more!

The June 2021 newsletter features product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities, and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners!

The October 2021 newsletter features product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities, and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners!

AWE Learning, a leader in digital learning solutions, is pleased to announce it has received three platinum awards in LibraryWorks’ eighth annual Modern Library Awards (MLAs) for Afterschool Edge Platinum, Bilingual Spanish Literacy Station Platinum, and Early Literacy Station Platinum. Read the official press release here.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many would be very skeptical just at the mention of homeschooling. They would wonder to themselves, “Why would you want to do that to yourself?”, “Children need to socialize with other children,” “Why, you pay school taxes?” and the list goes on and on. The naysayers were and are still out […]

The March 2022 newsletter features product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities, and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners!

Coding is becoming an essential skill needed for the future as part of the transition into a more digital world. But what is coding and why is it so important? Coding is what makes it possible to create computer software, desktop applications, cellular applications, games, websites and so much more. All digital technology runs on […]

YAY! School’s out for the summer! That’s what every student and teacher roars on the last day of school. Parents are excited at the thought of slower schedules and less homework. Students are excited about later bedtimes, extra screen time, staying outside longer, and not having to worry about tests or homework assignments. But the […]

The June 2022 newsletter features product announcements, highlighted customers, grant opportunities, and more! Plus print our FREE printables for the young learners!

It’s the end of summer and the reality of school is coming closer! For many children, the beginning of a new school year can bring on feelings of anxiety and stress. It’s our job as parents to help ease the transition back into school. Backpacks, shiny notebooks, calculators, and markers are all fun things to […]

August 2, 2023

For years, you have heard the term STEM within education and early learning, however, STREAM is the new curriculum. What is the difference? STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) focuses on math and science, while STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concentrates on the “whole” picture, including creative and critical thinking skills.