Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! …. OH! THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!
-Dr. Seuss
January 20, 2012, Vancouver: Think of the wonder in a baby’s eyes when looking at her first flower, or tasting her first strawberry. For growing minds, the world is an extraordinary adventure. That adventure and wonder doesn’t have to stop as we grow up. Everyday life is full of opportunities to learn, grow, try new things, and develop new skills. On January 27, Decoda Literacy Solutions invites you to join us on a learning journey for Family Literacy Day.
Family Literacy Day is a national, annual event created by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1999 to raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family.
“At Decoda, we celebrate the many ways families support their children’s learning every day. This support has a significant impact on learning and development,” says Brenda Le Clair, chief executive officer of Decoda Literacy Solutions. “When families engage in day to day activities such as sharing songs and stories, talking with their children, playing games, reading books together, writing grocery lists, counting change, and more, they are sending a strong message that literacy is an essential skill for everyday living. When children see their parents using literacy to get things done they want to participate too! Parents are their children’s first and most important teacher and as such they are powerful role models of learning. On Family Literacy Day, please take a moment and share some new fact, skill or moment of wonder with your family.”
Learning together as a family has a powerful effect on children and the adults around them. Studies show that parental involvement in their children’s reading is the most important determinant of language and emergent literacy. In addition to reading and academic skills, children with involved parents show greater social and emotional development, more resilience to stress, and more life skills and coping strategies. At the same time, by engaging in family literacy activities with their children, parents’ skills increase. Everyone benefits from embarking on a learning journey.
Communities across BC are celebrating Family Literacy Day in many ways, and in many places. Libraries, community centres, neighborhood houses and literacy programs are having celebrations and activities. This Family Literacy Day, explore your community and discover the various resources available to you. For more information about family literacy, and links to resources, activities, and programs across the province, visit decoda.ca.
About Family Literacy Day
Family Literacy Day is a national awareness initiative created by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1999 and held annually on January 27 to raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. More than 1.5 million Canadians have already participated in the initiative since its debut. Taking time every day to read or do a learning activity with children is crucial to a child’s development. Even just 15 minutes a day can improve a child’s literacy skills dramatically, and can help a parent improve their skills as well. For more information, visit abclifeliteracy.ca/family-literacy-day
About Decoda Literacy Solutions:
Decoda Literacy Solutions is B.C.’s new provincial literacy organization. Its vision is a culture of community-based learning and literacy that supports the full continuum of priorities that have been identified by communities – from early childhood to family, adult, workplace and emerging literacies. Decoda brings together the work, experience and expertise of two previous literacy organizations: Literacy BC and 2010 Legacies Now. Visit decoda.ca for more information.
Media Contact:
Melinda Johnston, Communications Manager, Decoda Literacy Solutions:
or 604-681-4199 x 405.
