Family Literacy

Annually on January 27 Family Literacy Day is held to celebrate adults and children reading and learning together and to encourage Canadians to spend at least 15 minutes every day enjoying a learning activity as a family.

Over its 60 year history the Junior League of Calgary has developed many projects focused on Family Literacy, most recently Calgary Reads. One component of our current Treasure Trunk Program at Brenda’s House is Kids in the Story (KITS), and the planned Babies in the Story (BITS), inspired by a program of Calgary Reads.

Family literacy refers to the many ways families develop and use literacy skills, from enjoying a storybook together during the day and at bedtime, to playing with word games, singing, writing to a relative or friend, or to sharing day-to-day tasks such as making a shopping list, addressing an envelope or using a recipe ("Family Literacy in Canada: Profiles of Effective Practices" by Adele Thomas, Soleil Publishing Inc., 1998).

Some interesting facts:
 Research shows children have a better chance of becoming fully literate adults if reading is encouraged in the home (Literacy BC).
 Many studies have shown that improving parents’ skills directly and positively affects the language development of children (Literacy Skills for the Knowledge Society, IALS 1997, pg 62).
 Studies show beyond dispute that children’s achievements in school improve with increased parent involvement in education (Henderson, 1998).
 Children raised in literate households are likely to enter grade one with several thousand hours of one to one pre-reading experience behind them (Literacy BC).
 Having a parent or other caring person read aloud with their children helps children learn listening skills, vocabulary and language skills, as well as develop imagination and creativity (Family Literacy Foundation, 2001).
 By spending a minimum of 15 minutes a day engaged in a literacy activity as a family, Canadians have the ability to make positive changes both in their own lives and in the future potential of their children.

So on January 27, as well as throughout the year, consider the part you are playing in promoting family literacy!

Alice Gardner-Boreta
President, Junior League of Calgary
(reprinted from President's Message in the Jan 2011 Lasso)