For the Bulletin
During the month of January hundreds of activities and events are being run across the province by literacy organizations, libraries and community centres to promote family literacy.
Literacy is important to ALL British Columbians, especially families because literacy development of families impacts every area of our lives: health, employment, economic status, and life chances. Studies show that parents and caregivers who participate in family learning, directly and positively affect the language and literacy development of their children. Even 15 minutes of reading a day can improve both a child and parent’s literacy skills dramatically. When you invest in literacy, you invest in society: you help create jobs, improve health, reduce crime and build strong individuals, strong families and strong communities.
Literacy is important to all British Columbians - especially children. When children get an early start in literacy at home, they are more likely to: - Be better prepared to enter school - Do better on reading achievement tests - Pursue higher education - Find higher-paying jobs - Lead healthier lives - Vote, volunteer and give back to their community
Parents who participate in family literacy programs: - Learn to support their children’s learning needs
- Place greater value on education and learning - Become interested in developing their own literacy skills
- Form social and supportive networks - Are exposed to opportunities to progress to further education and training
In Kimberley many events have been planned.
On Saturday January 24th 10:00 – Noon, The Friends of the Kimberley Public Library is hosting a free Family Literacy Fun event at the Kimberley Public Library. There will be Books, Prizes, Celebrity Readers, Fun Workshops, Computer & Wii Activities. Everyone in the community is invited to participate and all will be entered for door prizes. The Grand Prize is drawn at Noon and refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Families with Children under 6 during the week of Jan. 26th -Jan. 30th (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9:00-Noon Wed 3:30 -6:30) are invited to join StrongStart at the Early Learning Center for fun filled activities to celebrate Family Literacy day. There will be special gifts for friends with lots of great activities to continue the story at home!
On Jan.27th The Daily Bulletin will be highlighting submissions received from elementary students who participated in the writing contest to celebrate Family Literacy Day.
on Thurs. Jan. 29th at 10:30, Parents with Babies are invited to celebrate at the Kimberley Public Library with Baby Goose. The Library, CBAL- Kimberley and Public Health Nursing are hosting a morning of fun activities for parents and their babies.
There is also once again the “Battle of The Books” Contest at all the Elementary Schools. Look for outcomes
of the favourite book lists at the end of January.
For more information about free literacy programs available in our community call Kim Roberts- CBAL, Kimberley Community Literacy Coordinator 250- 427-4468 or e-mail kroberts@cbal.org. website: www.cbal.org