Family literacy is a lifelong gift
Edmonton... Today, thousands of families around the world will acknowledge the value of reading together. Family Literacy Day represents a national initiative that promotes the importance of families setting aside time to read together.
"Parents who read with their child, or have another adult read with them, build solid, lifelong foundations for their child's success at home and at school," said Learning Minister Dr. Lyle Oberg. "I encourage families to take time this Family Literacy Day to read a book, tell a story or even take a walk and read the signs along the way and, make a commitment to make reading part of every day."
Since 2001, the Alberta Government, through the Family Literacy Initiative Fund, has committed more than $2 million to support more than 53 community-based literacy projects across Alberta. These literacy projects provide support to parents and their children, up to six years of age, and encourage the development of oral language, early literacy and social skills development. The programs strengthen and build the basic literacy skills of parents, support and encourage the parents' role in their children's learning, and develop community-based partnerships.
Programs and activities coach new parents to read with their babies and young children through songs, rhymes and stories; and help parents explore book-sharing, informal writing and choices in children's literature. Alberta Learning also supports a variety of programs addressing literacy and adult upgrading needs.
Family Literacy Day is coordinated by ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation, a national non-profit literacy organization. Further information on community-based literacy can be found at www.education.gov.ab.ca.
