TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2019 /CNW/ - How will you celebrate Family Literacy Day on January 27? That's the question ABC Life Literacy Canada (ABC) has been asking families, community organizations, schools, libraries, and learning centres coast-to-coast-to-coast in the lead up to the 20th Anniversary of this annual event.
To celebrate this milestone and encourage reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family, ABC has been actively promoting this year's theme to "Take 20" minutes to make learning together part of your everyday.
"Spending at least 20 minutes together daily as a family and being engaged in simple and fun activities can make a world of difference when it comes to increasing learning and overall literacy skills," said ABC Life Literacy Canada Executive Director Mack Rogers. "We know that most families live busy and complex lives, but taking time to read, play board games, or prepare meals together can have long-lasting benefits for children and adults alike."
This sentiment is echoed by Barbara Reid, award-winning Canadian author and plasticine illustrator, who is also The Honourary Chair of Family Literacy Day.
"It is no secret that families that learn together, grow together," said Reid, who generously contributed 20 Family Literacy Day themed plasticine illustrations for the 20th anniversary. "There are many free learning resources available at home and throughout local communities. A little imagination can go a long way!"
Family Literacy Day was launched in 1999 by ABC and includes family-friendly literacy and learning events across Canada. Here are how a few community organizations are celebrating. A listing of events across Canada is available at FamilyLiteracyDay.ca:
- The Glace Bay Public Library, in Glace Bay, NS, will be teaming up with Coastal District Girl Guides of Canada for their 1st Annual Book Swap.
- J.R. Smallwood Middle School, in Labrador City, NL, is making a video about the various Family Literacy Day ideas and activities undertaken by their school community.
- The Chateauguay Valley Literacy Council, in Chateauguay, QC, will be presenting the story "Stone Soup" as an interactive reading activity.
- The Lincoln Public Library, in Beamsville, ON, will host an after-hours Family Fort Night Under the Stars reading event.
- Amisk Community School in Lac La Biche, AB, is inviting local elders to share some of their traditional stories.
For more information about Family Literacy Day and to download free family literacy tips and activities, visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca
About Family Literacy
Family literacy refers to the many ways families develop and use literacy skills, from enjoying a storybook together, to playing word games, singing, writing to a relative or friend, sharing day-to-day tasks such as making a shopping list.
Parents' literacy skills and their ability to engage with their children in ways that encourage literacy at an early age have a lasting and far-reaching impact on children's language development, future success in school and well-being throughout their lives. Reading aloud and engaging in other literacy-related activities helps children learn listening, vocabulary and language skills, and develop imagination and creativity. Engaging in learning together also provides an opportunity for adults to continue exercising their skills at all stages of their lives.
About ABC Life Literacy Canada
ABC Life Literacy Canada is a non-profit organization that inspires Canadians to increase their literacy and essential skills. We mobilize business, government and communities to support lifelong learning and achieve our goals through leadership in programs, communications and partnerships. We envision a Canada where everyone has the skills they need to live a fully engaged life.
For the latest news and information on adult literacy, please visit www.abclifeliteracy.ca, follow us on Twitter @abclifeliteracy or join our Facebook page www.facebook.com/abclifeliteracy
SOURCE ABC Life Literacy Canada
Ken Turriff, Communications Manager, ABC Life Literacy Canada, 1-800-303-1004, Ext. 123 I [email protected]
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