Literacy Tent offers free books, activities for kids

A tradition of promoting literacy that began in 1899 continues today across Canada.

United For Literacy was founded by railroad workers, miners and loggers who recognized the importance of literacy and numeracy.

“Our founding philosophy is we believe literacy is for all,” Darrell Bergmann said last week.

Bergmann and Taylor Hanna brought the Literacy Tent to Lioness Park in Fort Macleod on Wednesday.

The Literacy Tent has free children’s books, literacy games, sidewalk chalk and a story reading time.

United For Literacy is based in Lethbridge, Edmonton and Grande Prairie in Alberta. The organization’s head office is in Toronto.

“We go where the learners are,” said Bergmann, who spent 20 years as a teacher before joining the organization.

During the school year United For Literacy goes into schools in Lethbridge.

In the summer months, United For Literacy partners with organizations such as Fort Macleod Library, which hosted Wednesday’s visit.

“We’re trying to make literacy fun,” Bergmann said. “and we’re making sure kids have an opportunity to read at home.”

“We want them to feel good about literacy, and we give them at least one book they can read at home.”

When they visit the Literacy Tent, children have the chance to play ABC Bingo, Hangman, numeracy estimation games, British Bulldog, Four Corners, Simon Says and other activities.

“We want to get them moving around because we know how important physical activity is for kids,” Bergmann said.

United For Literacy targets children aged five to 16 years but will welcome anyone of any age.

There is no charge to participate in Literacy Tent activities.

The Literacy Tent returns to Lioness Park on Wednesday, July 19 from 1-3 p.m.

“The main goal of this for me is we want kids to have fun with literacy,” Bergmann said.