Tips and activities to celebrate family literacy

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Tips and activities to celebrate family literacy

On January 27, families across Canada will participate in Family Literacy Day, a national initiative created by ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation and supported financially by Honda Canada, to promote the importance of reading and learning as a family. Every year, since its inception in 1999, literacy organizations, schools, and libraries have coordinated literacy-themed events, such as story-writing contests, public story readings and read-a-thons to celebrate this special day.

"The practice of family literacy is important for people of all ages," explains Christine Featherstone, president of ABC CANADA. "In addition to providing a solid foundation for future readers, family literacy helps maintain a high level of literacy well into the golden years. Family Literacy Day serves as a reminder to spend time learning together."

To help you get in on the fun, ABC CANADA offers the following tips and activities to encourage family literacy in the home on Family Literacy Day and throughout the year.

Sous Chef: Following recipes is a great way to improve both reading and math skills. Ask your children to read the instructions out loud and to help measure the ingredients when making a treat for the family.
Game On!: Set up a family game tournament, where children are encouraged to read instructions and keep score.
Expand your Vocabulary: Look up the meaning of funny words, like "onomatopoeia" and "Chinook" and test your family's word power.
The Count: Have your child count out the change required to make a purchase and help reinforce the importance of math in everyday life.
Watch a Book: Many children's stories have been adapted for the big screen. Read these stories with your kids first, then watch the movie equivalent.
Climb the Beanstalk: Cut out a beanstalk shape from pieces of construction paper and post it on a wall in your child's room. For every book your child reads, a leaf, with the title of the book and author's name, can be added.
Travel the World: Take your children to the library and use your library card as a passport. Check out books on different countries to learn about their geography and traditions.
Go Surfing: Navigate the Internet with your child to find fun and educational Web sites.
Have a Book-nic: Plan an indoor picnic featuring books and delicious treats. Choose a theme around family food and reading preferences. For example, enjoy honey flavoured cereal while reading Winnie the Pooh stories.
Karaoke Night: Rent a Karaoke machine and invite the neighbours over for a party. Not only is this activity fun, but it also encourages, reading, singing and family involvement.