You don't have to be a professor, an English major or a librarian to be a whiz when it comes to family literacy. Every mom, dad or caregiver has the potential to be a great teacher, says retired educator and literacy co-ordinator Barb Mancell.
"Literacy is all your everyday stuff. People don't realize what learning experiences there are happening in your home every day," explained Mancell, whose Tri-Cities Literacy Committee runs several family literacy programs as well as adult and English Language Learner programs in the region.
Putting together a grocery list, reading a recipe with your kids, even searching the internet for interesting websites can be considered a form of literacy education, said Mancell, who is celebrating Family Literacy Week next week with a contest to highlight the importance of literacy starting in the home.
Family literacy refers to the many ways families develop and use literacy skills, from enjoying a storybook together, to playing with word games and even singing. Parents are invited to submit their family literacy stories to Mancell for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate at Chapter's.
"This is just a simple way to get the word out," she said. "Last year, the contest was very successful."
One story stands out as particularly memorable: It was about a crying baby and a mom getting up at night to nurse, a common story in many young households, except that the father also got up and read Harry Potter to mom and babe - it turned out the story about childhood wizarding was popular with all three of them.
"Their baby got to hear all about Harry Potter when he was born," Mancell said, encouraging people to get their family literacy stories in to her by Jan. 31 at [email protected].
There are also many opportunities to participate in family literacy experiences next week. The following are just a few:
Bingo at Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam, Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.:
Pick up your bingo card and get your dabber ready for some family-friendly fun to celebrate Family Literacy Day. Prizes will be awarded. Everyone welcome, no registration required.
Games, a book swap, Lego and more at Coquitlam Public Library, Tuesday, Tues. Jan 27 (Poirier branch) or Wednesday, Jan. 28 (City Centre branch): Bring one book for children or teens and swap for another - good condition items only, please. The event is drop-in and no registration is required.
Stories, crafts and creative games for pre-schoolers and their parents or caregivers at Port Moody Public Library, Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: The library will become a preschooler's paradise: squish fingerpaints, romp in confetti castles, sing along in an all-ages storytime or play some active language games.
Family Play and Learning Night at Coquitlam Centre mall, Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Meet on the lower level outside the Hudson's Bay. This month's theme is Read, Write, Speak, and Listen - Together!
For more information about family literacy programs in the Tri-Cities, email Mancell at [email protected]. For more information about Family Literacy Day, visit abclifeliteracy.ca.
