Frontier College Aboriginal Summer Literacy Camps receive funding in
Saskatchewan

Camps motivate children and youth to read, think and learn over the summer months

PRINCE ALBERT, SK, July 6 /CNW/ - Today, Assistant Deputy Minister of Education Darren McKee, on behalf of the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Education, announced that the Government of Saskatchewan will provide funding for three school divisions to partner with Frontier College, Canada's national literacy organization, to deliver summer literacy camps for children and youth in Saskatchewan.

"Frontier College is thrilled with this new funding that will allow us to operate camps in 16 communities and serve over 650 students," said Sherry Campbell, President Frontier College. "The camps work to keep kids motivated and improve literacy skills by preventing reading loss that often occurs over the summer months."

Each September, educators often remark that they see a reading loss in students after the summer vacation. Summer Literacy Camps provide children and youth the opportunity to enhance literacy and numeracy skills in a fun, activity-oriented setting, keeping kids engaged during the summer months.

Children and youth who don't have the opportunity to attend a summer reading camp can keep the momentum going over the summer too. Here are some tips for parents and caregivers:

    
    -   Provide access to books for children. Think about what interests your
        children (start with their hobbies and interests). Always have books
        and other reading materials (newspapers, magazines, etc.) in the
        home.
    -   Visit the library. Ask the librarian for suggestions.
    -   See the movie, read the book!
    -   Post a map on the fridge and see what learning and discussion
        evolves.
    -   Read the newspaper. Read about current events (sports, world, local)
        and discuss them with your child.
    -   Continue your bedtime routine of reading together or allow your
        children to read past their normal bedtime.
    -   Read what they are reading - talk about it, think about it, discuss
        it!
    -   Encourage older children to read to younger children. Both develop
        their reading skills through this experience.
    -   Play word games.
    -   Read aloud to your child - even if s/he can read independently. It is
        important for children to hear fluent readers read.
    -   Extend your child's reading experiences - read about dinosaurs, visit
        the museum.
    -   Always have a book with you when you are out and about. Reading can
        entertain between activities
    

About Frontier College

Literacy is an essential skill in today's world. At Frontier College, we believe it's a fundamental right. Low literacy skills are directly linked to poverty, poor health and high unemployment. Through a network of thousands of volunteers, Frontier College is helping children, youth and adults to realize their potential and seize the opportunities that come their way. For more information about Frontier College visit www.frontiercollege.ca

For further information: Kendra Tedford Devine, Frontier College Foundation, 416-923-3591 ext. 335, [email protected]