Officially, Family Literacy Day is Jan. 27, but this year organizers in both Jasper and the Robson Valley have added a whole week of activities with the intention of pointing a spotlight on developing literacy skills for both parents and children.
According to ABC Life Literacy Canada, Family Literacy Day is meant to help families find the many ways they can develop and use literacy skills in their daily lives. From enjoying a bedtime storybook, to playing word games, writing to a friend or relative, or even making out a shopping list, parents and children can integrate family time with learning and building literacy skills.
Long-term research by the National Centre for Family Literacy suggests that families that attend family literacy programs are less dependent upon public assistance. Research by Literacy BC shows that when children are encouraged to read at home they have a better chance of becoming fully literate adults. Also, another study by Literacy BC, suggests that children are likely to enter Grade 1 with several thousand hours of one-to-one pre-reading experience if they are raised in literate households.
It is true that there are very few truly illiterate people in Canada, that is people who cannot read at all. However, there are many who are challenged by low literacy and find it difficult to fully and confidently engage in work or everyday activities. According to ABC Life Literacy, literacy skills can deteriorate over time if habits do not support literacy development and maintenance. Literacy skills are described as being like muscles that need to be maintained and strengthened with regular use. A family that reads and learns together is a benefit to both parents and children.
Overall, a community is far stronger when the majority of the population has high literacy skills. Participating in literacy building programs is a good reminder to practice our literacy skills and keep them well-honed and sharp. ABC Life Literacy suggests that just 15 minutes a day involved in some form of literacy activity can make all the difference.
Of course, the best reason to participate in Family Literacy Week is to have fun with your family. Be sure to check out the schedule of events in this week’s issue of the Fitzhugh. There are many fun things to do during the course of the entire week.
