Libraries, communities and families throughout B.C. and
Canada are celebrating Family Literacy Day today with events that
promote the importance of reading as a family, Education Minister
Margaret MacDiarmid, and Advanced Education and Labour Market
Development Minister Moira Stilwell announced.
“Research has shown the significant influence parents have on the
literacy development of their children,” said MacDiarmid. “Reading with
your child for just 15 minutes a day can make a tremendous difference
in their learning and language growth. What’s more, reading together
can be a fun, sharing activity that builds connections and family
memories that will last a lifetime.”
Today, schools, libraries and community centres have scheduled a
variety of events to mark Family Literacy Day, including writing
contests, storytelling, public readings, read-a-thons, book drives,
reading circles, family literacy workshops and seminars.
Family Literacy Day, which takes place every year on Jan. 27, was
created in 1999 by ABC Canada to encourage families to read and learn
together. Last year, close to 290,000 Canadians participated in Family
Literacy Day events and activities across the country.
“Literacy is an incredible gift that opens up a world of opportunities,
achievement, and learning and ensures every British Columbian realizes
their full potential,” said Stilwell. “We know there are direct links
between literacy and employment, income and health – supporting
literacy for all family members will help people succeed at work, at
home, and in their communities.”
One of the goals of Family Literacy Day is to promote literacy
development for family members of all ages. There are many ways
families can strengthen their literacy skills together in the home,
whether through reading, writing, playing games, following recipes or
singing songs.
“Family Literacy Day is just one day of the year, but we hope today’s
celebrations will inspire families to make literacy activities a bigger
part of their lives,” said ABC Canada president Margaret Eaton. “Family
reading and writing time can help fuel the skills that are essential to
thriving in today’s knowledge-based society. Strong literacy skills
create opportunities and enable individuals to participate fully by
giving them the tools and the confidence to learn, grow and pursue
their dreams.”
Since 2001, the Province has invested $1.2 billion in literacy and
literacy-related initiatives, such as StrongStart BC early learning
programs, almost $15 million to operate the Kindergarten readiness
program Ready, Set, Learn and $2.7 million for the LEAP BC program that
encourages literacy, physical activity and healthy eating in preschool-
aged children.
ABC Canada Literacy Foundation is Canada’s private-sector voice
championing adult literacy.
To find a Family Literacy Day event in your area, visit
http://www.abc-canada.org/en/fld/2010/.
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