Islanders of all ages are encouraged to spend time learning and reading together on Family Literacy Day, says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister, Doug Currie.
“Success in a 21st century learning environment depends on strong literacy and numeracy skills for our students and all residents across our one Island community,” said Minister Currie. “Reading with your children helps encourage lifelong learning. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is constantly reviewing and updating the curriculum in Island schools and investing in new initiatives to promote literacy. Our main objective is to ensure our students have access to the information and tools they need to succeed.”
Minister Currie has officially proclaimed January 27, 2011, Family Literacy Day in Prince Edward Island. The national celebration takes place annually to encourage adults and children to read and learn together. Canadians are also being encouraged to spend at least 15 minutes participating in a fun learning activity every day. The theme for 2011 is Play For Literacy! Board games, card games and word games are a fun way for parents and children to brush up on literacy and numeracy skills at home or your local library.
“The Public Library Service celebrates Family Literacy all year long through its collection, services and programs,” says Robert Vessey, Minister of Tourism and Culture. “Many literacy-based children’s programs are offered through our libraries, such as the Preschool Story Time program. During the Family Literacy Day celebrations, library staff will demonstrate our Tumblebooks, interactive e-books for children, available through our library website, www.library.pe.ca.”
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development continues to support programs that promote literacy and numeracy skills across Prince Edward Island. As an example, Family Literacy Grants of up to $3,000 are available to programs administered by kindergartens, early childhood programs, schools and not-for-profit organizations. A series of these grants are awarded every year to support activities to help parents and children improve literacy, numeracy and learning.
Gulf Shore Consolidated School in North Rustico, Prince Edward Island, received one of the Family Literacy Grants in 2010. The school hosts Family Math Nights which are coordinated by Melissa Brownlow, a kindergarten teacher and family math facilitator at the school.
“Gulf Shore School welcomes families with young children to participate in fun activities that encourage people to learn about math,” said Ms. Brownlow. “Our Family Math Nights include games and activities that encourage parents and children to spend quality time together and focus on learning useful math and literacy skills.”
For details on National Family Literacy Day activities, visit www.abclifeliteracy.ca or, for more information on the PEI Public Library Service, visit www.library.pe.ca.