by Karina Hunter

Musician and teacher Betty Gillman has everyone singing along.

Since 1999, every January 27^th, Canadians have been celebrating Family Literacy Day when thousands take part in events and activities at schools, libraries and literacy organizations across the country.  Literacy is more than books, there are many ways to strengthen literacy skills, practicing for as little as 15 minutes a day; reading, writing, playing a game, following a recipe or even singing  song can all help sharpen the skills of adults or prepare children for challenges ahead.

After a quick group photo, Sagle presented participants with a variety of children’s audio books and CDs.

Librarian and CEO Janis Lamothe was pleased with the turnout, estimating that it had been their largest in recent years “It’s great to see so many new and familiar faces; by encouraging their children to participate, parents are sending a message to their children about the importance of literacy”. Having a parent or other caring person read aloud with their children helps children learn listening skills, vocabulary and language skills, as well as develop imagination and creativity; to learn more about the many benefits of reading with your children as well as creative ideas for increasing family literacy in your home visit www.familyliteracyday.ca.  

Participate in the Family Literacy Day 2010 theme and Sing for Literacy! You can even access free karaoke videos! Special thanks to ABC Canada’s partners at The KARAOKE Channel.  

Kelly Sagle, Best Start Hub Program Supervisor, explains to everyone what the evening has in store.

After a quick group photo, Sagle presented participants with a variety of children’s audio books and CDs.

Versions of this article were submitted to The Echo and the Chronicle
Journal.