In recognition of Family Literacy Day, the St. Paul Municipal Library held a literacy event on Feb. 5 for adults and children to take part in fun literacy-themed activities.
There is an increasing recognition that many Canadians struggle with literacy and a corresponding push to offer programs that improve literacy skills. Four out of 10 adult Canadians between the age of 16 to 65 – about nine million Canadians – struggle with literacy, highlighting the prevalence of the problem.
Some adults may feel ashamed of literacy problems and try to hide the fact they struggle with reading or writing. But, for those brave enough to ask for help to improve those skills, it can make their life much easier. After all, good literacy skills are essential in many ways that can be taken for granted, whether it’s reading instructions, getting directions on what bus routes to take, or of course, the joy of reading a good book.
Family Literacy Day underscores the importance of promoting literacy skills in young ones, of talking, reading and working with your child. Lots of programs are available to help improve children’s literacy, such as the Family Literacy program out of Portage College, rhyme times and story-time at the local library and even more resources and programs offered at local parents and tots play groups, to name just a few. Finding out what’s available is only a matter of picking up the phone book.
But of course, the most important resource a parent can give is his/her own time. Each night offers a great opportunity to have a cuddle with your child and read him/her a book, creating lasting memories and hopefully also bolstering a love of literacy in your child.
