Many groups across the district will participate in family literacy day

Ken Johnston
Editor

Next Tuesday is Family Literacy Day in Canada and groups all across the country, including the Canadian Community Newpaper Association, of which the Record is a member, are getting involved in.
Family Literacy refers to the many ways that families develop and use literacy skills to accomplish day-to-day tasks and activities.
It has been shown that children age 2-3 who are read to several tiems a day so substantially better in Kindergarten.
Donna Davidson of the Early Year’s Center in Rainy River said that this is the 6th year this area has been celebrating Family Literacy Day and she is very excited about this year’s activities.
Some of the events taking place throughout the area are as follows:
Jan. 27-9:30 a.m. Fort Frances Family Resource Program/Ontario Early Years Centre enjoys a visit from former NHL player, Mike Allison. Mike will be sharing stories with the children.
Jan. 26-9a.m.-2 p.m.-Stratton-Our Lady of the Way School. Students and families will be celebrating aboriginal culture though the sharing of stories, dance, art, music, food and poetry.
Jan. 27-6:00 p.m.-Emo Toy Library/Ontario Early Years Centre- Parents/caregivers will be participating in a workshop entitled, Literacy Connections while the children enjoy a pajama party and story time. A local teacher and OPP officer have been invited to join in the celebration.
Jan. 27 - 2p.m.-4 p.m.-Atikokan-Storytime/Sliding party-Families will be enjoying sliding outdoors and returning to the Sundog Toy Library/Ontario Early Years Centre for hot chocolate and stories. A Berenstain Bears colouring contest is also being planned.
Davidson said that there are several other events yet to be confirmed, but she said it should be a busy day for area schools and libraries as well as other groups. Last year parents and grand parents visited classrooms at Riverview School in Rainy River and read to and with their kids/grandkids.
ABC Canada is urging people or groups right across the country to organize an event. Some suggestions include holding a read-a-thon, having local celebrities read to kids, organize a literacy carnival, hold an essay writing contest or a mile high book drive.
At home events such as reading a story with your kids also fall into the celebration’s scope. After all, “Learning is a Family Affair.”
For more information about Family Literacy Day, you can visit www.abc-canada.org or call Donna Davidson at 852-1834.