“Improving my literacy allows me to be free. It gives me the confidence to interact more with my kids if they need help. For example, the other day my daughter asked me about a word and we looked it up together to find its meaning. I enjoy reading a fun magazine called Owl with the kids at bedtime. Literacy is the key.”

Treldon, Literacy Unlimited learner

Family Literacy Day, which occurs every January 27^th, was introduced in 1999 by ABC Life Literacy Canada. This initiative highlights the benefits of family involvement in the literacy development of children. It encourages and celebrates adults and children learning together while engaging in various entertaining and educational activities every day.

This year’s theme is Learning in the Great Outdoors! Going outside to do a physical activity provides benefits for both body and mind. Getting creative and spending family time enjoying the great outdoors is an ideal way to accomplish this while celebrating Family Literacy Day in Canada!

Family Literacy is important because it provides the opportunity to develop literacy within the home. As literacy is the basis for all learning and a child’s early education begins in the home, parental involvement is essential for success. Studies show that there is a link between consistent family literacy practices and the development of strong literacy skills. This is reflected in:

• language development
• improved reading and writing ability
• increased confidence
• general knowledge and skills

These benefits extend to both parents and children – in the home, at school, in the workplace and out in the community.

An added perk – life becomes more fun and family bonds are reinforced! Accomplishing these amazing results isn’t difficult or complicated.

Start by brainstorming as a family – get everybody’s input on activities that would be fun, make a list and post it somewhere visible.

Go for a walk as a family and take pictures – you can pick a theme like “street signs” or “nature”. When you get home, discuss the photos over some hot chocolate!

Challenge family and friends to a snowman building contest – and post pictures on Facebook or Instagram.

Use the snow as your canvas – with a few squirt bottles, water and food colouring you can paint pictures, practice writing words and play games like tic tac toe in your backyard!

Do art projects using the outdoors as your theme, for example, make snowflakes to hang around the house.