Award-winning Canadian author and modelling clay illustrator Barbara Reid will host a free Family Literacy Day event on Friday, Jan. 27.
Families, libraries and literacy groups across Canada will celebrate Family Literacy Day this week, an annual initiative that aims to encourage reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family.
Fort Macleod Library will host Family Literacy Day activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28.
There will be games and a collaborative writing project, with readings by Town of Fort Macleod CAO Anthony Burdett, Mayor Brent Feyter, Helma Hart and Candis Done.
Snacks will be served.
ABC Life Literacy Canada will host a virtual event on Friday, Jan. 27.
This year’s theme is “Celebrate your heritage,” which encourages families to take time to explore and learn about their heritage together.
“Learning as a family not only helps to build strong literacy skills for both adults and children, but it also strengthens family bonds and ties,” said Alison Howard, executive director of ABC Life Literacy Canada.
“Researching genealogy makes for a great family activity, involving siblings, children and grandchildren. It can bring family members together around a shared interest and also inspire intergenerational storytelling and sharing.”
Researching your heritage as a family encourages the development of many literacy skills, such as reading, comprehension and digital skills.
It also offers opportunities to improve cognition and self-esteem.
Reminiscing and exploring the past can have deep psychological benefits for older people, giving them a chance to reconnect with their own memories while also learning new things about family members they never knew.
Some studies have shown that reminiscing can actually lower a person’s blood pressure and heart rate.
Family Literacy Day was started in 1999 by ABC Life Literacy Canada. Each year it is celebrated across the country by groups who host events that include fun-filled learning activities.
Award-winning Canadian author and modeling clay illustrator Barbara Reid is once again the honourary chair of Family Literacy Day.
Reid will host a virtual event for families across the country that will include a demonstration on how to use clay to create a picture. Families can register for the free event at familyliteracyday.ca.
“I’m delighted to be partnering with ABC Life Literacy Canada again to talk about the importance of family literacy,” Reid said. “I am particularly excited about this year’s Family Literacy Day theme because it truly offers a great opportunity for families to come together and learn something that is of interest to everyone.”
For those who want to take part in Family Literacy Day, simply visit familyliteracyday.ca to access free learning activities and materials, or to find a local event.
