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National Family Literacy Day – Share the Joy of Reading
January 25, 2012
Reading is a skill and family activity that sadly we have been losing touch with due constant technological advancements and increasingly busier schedules.
On January 27 we are celebrating Family Literacy Day in Canada and I think it’s an important reminder for everyone to reconnect with the values of reading. Established in 1999 by ABC Life Literacy Canada, Family Literacy Day promotes family literacy and numeracy activities. The special day encourages Canadians to make family time an opportunity for parents and children to learn together.
Creating an environment for growing kids where reading is a part of every day routine is an invaluable atmosphere to establish. Children who are encouraged to read and write, use numbers and actively communicate are more likely to be strong readers as adults. Having strong reading and writing skills benefits nearly every aspect of one’s life.
This week try out a new family game night that incorporates writing or counting. Write a script with the kids for a family puppet show. Embark on a family scavenger hunt where you write down the names, colours and number of plants and animals you see. There are many different ways to enhance your child’s literacy through exciting family activities. You’ll both have a fun time taking part and your kids will greatly benefit.
To make literacy a priority I encourage you to take advantage of the following programs available in Surrey.
Surrey Public Library - with branches in areas including Newton and Semiahmoo, the public library provides and promotes access to local and global information and ideas, encourages literacy and support lifelong learning for all Surrey residents.
Reading Tree – Books for Charity - a not-for-profit organization whose sole focus is to keep books out of landfills and into the hands of children that need them the most. Since 2007, it has helped collect and donate over 80,000 books to schools and children in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland.
YMCA's Literacy and Leadership program - integrated throughout YMCA Child Care centres, this initiative focuses on providing learning and leadership development through a variety of literacy-based activities, including peer mentoring, creative writing, cooking, dramatic arts and more.
LiteracyBC - an independent, non-partisan, membership-based, not-for-profit organization which has been promoting and supporting literacy and lifelong learning in BC since 1990.
BCLiteracy Directory - an easy way to find programs to improve your reading, writing and English language skills. Or call toll-free 1-888-732-3234.
ReadNowBC - a government action plan that promotes literacy programs and resources to help all British Columbians improve their reading skills.
Stephanie Cadieux, MLA
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