Did you know that January 27th is National Family Literacy Day?
Don’t you think you could use a little something to celebrate?! We sure do!
Family Literacy Day was created by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1999 to raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in literacy-related activities as a family. This year’s theme is "Travel the world together". Check out the awesome video that Action Read’s Family Literacy Coordinator Brenda MacDonald created in honour of the celebration. Then use your imagination to go exploring and travel the world together as a family!
Action Read has been offering family literacy programs throughout Guelph since 1989. We know that children develop language skills from the moment they are born, and that parents and families are key early learning resources. Family Literacy Day celebrates the importance of early learning, and highlights the programs, supporters, families and children who engage in, or who support this mission!
Action Read’s Family Literacy Program brings families together to discover simple, hands-on and low cost tips and strategies to incorporate early learning into everyday life. We have helped hundreds of Guelph children develop early literacy and numeracy skills, get comfortable in a social setting and make successful transitions into formal education!
Studies show that children's achievements in school improve with increased parental involvement in education. Did you know that 57% of kids who are frequent readers have parents who read books 5–7 days per week? Studies show that improving parents' skills also positively affects the language development of children. (https://abclifeliteracy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/FLD2021_social_media_guide.pdf)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Action Read has helped children stay connected remotely in several ways. We created a weekly newsletter to families with tips, remote activities and links, and launched a series of YouTube videos that allow children to continue to attend the program right from home! Brenda’s videos, at last count, had over 700 unique views. These videos are linked to the Action Read home page.
In the fall, we delivered ‘Rainbow Connections’ early literacy kits to families throughout the community. These colourful and engaging kits contain books and puzzles, language and number activities, art and craft supplies, and more – all targeted at children ages 6 and under. When families are done with the kit, they can be exchanged for a new one. Call Action Read 519-836-3759 if you would like more information.
Special thanks to our generous funders the United Way of Guelph, Wellington, Dufferin, the City of Guelph and private donors for their many years of support, and especially during these challenging past few months. All the more reason to say...
Happy National Family Literacy Day!
No comments:
Post a Comment