Did you know the quality of life for families, including income levels and employment status, is directly related to the literacy levels of parents?
Families can do many things together to encourage new learning opportunities or to sharpen existing literacy skills. Some of these activities are playing a board game, following a recipe, reading a map, or a physical game that promotes brain development such as a scavenger hunt or "Simon Says". These activities not only increase literacy skills but also encourage a stronger family bond. Spend time playing and celebrating Family Literacy Day with your family!
On Thursday, Jan. 26 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., parents and their preschool children are invited to attend a "Cookies and Bookies" event. Children can come make a craft, have cookies and milk, and take home a free book. This event is a partnership between the Clearwater and Area Literacy Program and the Clearwater Public Library. During the week of January 23 - 27 there will be many other activities in which families can participate that promote literacy and learning - so plan to get out and do one with your family!
FREE Community Programs or Literacy Events:
• Monday, Jan. 23,10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Parent-Child Mother Goose, 612 Park Drive, Yellowhead Community Services, call 250-674-2600 for details.
• Monday, Jan. 23, Tuesday, Jan. 24, Thursday, Jan. 26 and Friday, Jan. 27. 8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Raccoons Strong Start, Mrs. Amy will have special activities for you and your child to celebrate Family Literacy Day. Raft River Elementary School. Call 250-674-2218 for details.
• Friday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Every day at the North Thompson Aboriginal Sharing Centre there are children's craft activities, storytelling and friendship. On Friday, Jan. 27 there will be some special activities for you and your child to celebrate Family Literacy Day. The North Thompson Aboriginal Sharing Centre is in Brookfield Mall, call 250-674-3703 for details.
• Wednesday, Jan. 25,10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The Blue River Playgroup, Blue River Elementary School, call 250-674-2600 for details.
• 8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Raccoons Strong Start at Vavenby Elementary. Come play, sing songs, and read stories with Mrs. Amy. Vavenby Elementary School, call 250-674-2218 for details.
During the week Raft River Elementary School students will be participating in fun literacy activities.
Throughout the year there are many other literacy programs running in the community in which you can participate or volunteer.
• Local community volunteers provide reading assistance to students at Raft River Elementary School in the One to One Reading Program.
• The Bright Red Bookshelf Program provides free books to children in the community. Children are welcome to visit any Bright Red Bookshelf, and take a book to keep or borrow. Bright Red Bookshelves are located at Clearwater Employment Services, the Community Resource Centre for the North Thompson, the Medical Centre, the North Thompson Aboriginal Sharing Centre, and Yellowhead Community Services Society.
• The Partner Assisted Learning Program is a free, confidential tutoring program. Trained volunteers can assist learners with anything from reading, course work, math skills, or personal budgeting.
For more information about Family Literacy Day or any of these programs, please contact Kerry Milner Cairns, literacy outreach coordinator, Clearwater and Area at 250-674-2600 extension 262.