Kids of all ages were immersed in the many aspects of reading and writing at the annual Family Literacy Night.
Youth from across the Lakeland gathered at Duclos School on Thursday, Jan. 25 to cap-off Family Literacy Month.
“We want to show the diversity of what literacy can look like. From numeracy, to document use, to essential skills, this is stuff we use every day. But, in our line of work, we also see adults that are missing pieces. We want to make sure we can promote it now, when we have this community collaboration,” detailed Nicole Ferbey, program director for the Bonnyville Community Learning Council (BCLC).
Hosted by the BCLC and Bonnyville Municipal Library, along with their community partners, the event aims to show children and their families, the many different ways literacy is incorporated into everyday life.
There was no technology involved in the activities, following the theme set-out by the organizing committee: unplugged.
“Any time we can promote literacy and youth unplugging from their technology, that's exactly what we want to do,” Ferbey said.
Some youth decided to take-on a few of the Bonnyville Pontiacs in games such as hangman or Pictionary, while others grabbed a musical instrument and sang along with a few of the school's teachers.
“The kids get to see by playing a game you're practicing important reading skills. You're celebrating reading skills when you play bingo. Even music and mathematics have their own language,” said Richard Cameron, principal of Duclos School.
While many played games in the gym, others put their creativity to the test at the arts and crafts table.
Parents were encouraged to join-in on all of the fun, and get a first-hand look at some of the different ways their children can learn.
“We're really happy to host this event,” expressed Cameron. “Literacy is the major focus of an elementary school. It's all about kids understanding reading, and families understanding the importance of literacy in their lives. We're really glad to see people participating.”
From start to finish, students crowded around the stations, making sure to stop at each one along the way. Families also had the chance to head home with a literacy-themed door prize.
With the community taking such an interest in getting involved in family literacy, Ferbey expects the event to continue growing.
“We outgrew the library and another school. Now, we're in this facility because it's the biggest one, and I could see us outgrowing this one. It's all positive.”
