Local library branches to host Family Literacy Day events

Events at local library branches will be part of a nationwide celebration of Family Literacy Day.

Canada’s largest family literacy event, the day includes literacy-themed events and activities designed to raise awareness about the importance of reading.

Nationally, Family Literacy Day will be celebrated on Jan. 27.

Between Jan. 26 and 28 Wellington County library branches are all hosting a Family Literacy Day: Stuffie Sleepover.

Participants will share stories, sing songs and play games - all designed to promote early literacy skills. Then, the children will tuck their stuffed animals in and leave them for a night at the library.

“Who knows what adventures they’ll have,” library officials state.

The local event will be held at:

- Hillsburgh and Puslinch branches on Jan. 26;

- Arthur, Clifford, Drayton, Elora, Fergus, Harriston, Mount Forest, Palmeston and Rockwood branches on Jan. 27; and

- Marden branch on Jan. 28.

For more information or to register, residents are encouraged to contact their local branch.

Newspapers Canada and ABC Life Literacy Canada are key supporters of Family Literacy Day and jointly make a variety of resources available to families.

ABC Life Literacy Canada officials say spending just 15 minutes a day on literacy activities will improve children’s skills dramatically.

The organization offers some suggestions for  fun and easy daily activities, including:

- Number Walk: choose something to count during a walk. It could be dogs, trees, stop signs, cars – anything. On the walk, count as many of the object as can be found;

- Word Wall: learn one new word every day. Display them by creating afamily word wall with Bristol board and markers. Make a sentence with the words on the wall;

- A Course of Course: build an obstacle course through your family room, and draw a map of how to go through it from beginning to end;

- Have a Book-nic: organize an indoor picnic with books and tasty treats. Choose a theme – try honey-flavoured cereal and read Winnie the Pooh; or

- Game On: start family board game night and play a different game eachweek. Family members can take turns reading instructions and game cards as well as keeping score.

Family Literacy Day

- get involved

For more family literacy tips and activities, visit www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca.

“You can celebrate learning together on Family Literacy Day this January 27, but you can practice family literacy every day,” organizers state.