Have Fun on Family Literacy Day!

Did you know that Jan 27 is Family Literacy Day? Here at Belleville Public Library, we promote literacy every day of the year, but we are very pleased for an excuse to remind everyone of the importance of literacy skills throughout life, not just during childhood. Think for a minute how many times in a day we each use the language and math skills we learned when we were young: reading a recipe, measuring curtains, paying bills, shopping – the list is endless. As parents, we unconsciously reinforce these skills at home, so give yourselves a pat on the back because you are your child's best teacher.

If you would like some new ideas about how to improve literacy for the whole family, drop by and let us guide you to some great literacy resources…

If you have an older reader for whom reading seems a chore, why not try graphic novels (somewhat like the comics of our youth, but with glossy pages and covers). From junior to adult level, they have less words, attention-grabbing pictures and lots of action.

Perhaps you know an adult who likes to read, but is put off by the sheer volume of words in a novel like War and Peace? Then ask us about the Orca "Rapid Reads” series. These are shorter, single stories written by famous contemporary authors, such as Canada's mystery writer, Gail Bowen.

We have excellent literacy resource books: 500 Five Minute Games, for instance, is full of simple activities for 3-6 year olds which will improve their math, listening, language and thinking skills.

Those simple games from our childhood are a great way to improve family literacy. For example, playing "I-Spy” on long journeys not only passes the time, but provides spelling and observation practice for the whole family.

Don't forget the many excellent electronic databases which you can access from home through our webpage. Have fun with "Tumblebooks”, where picture books come to life and children at all grade levels can listen to their favourite stories or read along at their own speed.

Enter the Family Literacy Day colouring contest before Jan 31. Go online to www.abclifeliteracy.ca and print off the sheet or drop by the library to pick one up. You might be the lucky winner of a "Raise a Reader” prize pack.

At 10:00 a.m. on Thursday Jan 27, preschool children and their parents are invited to the Children's Program Room to celebrate Family Literacy Day with a Puppet Show and Games.

One of the most enjoyable ways to practice literacy skills (without realising it) is to play good old-fashioned board games. It's a fun and sociable family activity which can improve spelling, math, matching, sharing, judgement skills and social interaction. We are planning a Family Games Night with some very special guests, so watch this space for more exciting news about literacy!