Family Literacy Day is celebrated every year on January 27 to promote and raise awareness of the importance of reading, and the Moose Jaw Literacy Network and Early Years Family Resource Centre are teaming up to make the most of it.
"This year, the theme for Family Literacy Day is 'Let's have a family party!'," explained Wanda Peakman, executive director. "So, here at the Early Years Family Resource Centre, we are partnering with the Moose Jaw Literacy Network to provide smaller family parties all throughout the month."
The first event at the Early Years Family Resource Centre (EYFRC), which provides services to families with children aged 0 to 5, was Jan. 12. It was a 'Games Day' themed drop-in event, with families coming and going from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and there were even a few book draws.
"Our next family party will be a dance party on Friday, Jan. 19, in the afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m.," Peakman continued. "We invite families to join us and dance to some music, they can request their favourite songs, and really we'll just be having fun together.
"The other event will be a family pizza party on Friday, Jan. 26. That's a registered program, because we'll be inviting families to make their own pizzas. And we're pairing that with the book Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party (by James and Kimberly Dean)."
Families can register for the events, ask questions, and learn more about Family Literacy Day by contacting the EYFRC at 306-691-0202 (call), 306-690-1372 (text), or emailing office@moosejawfrc.ca.
Christine Boyczuk with the Moose Jaw Literacy Network said that in addition to the EYFRC events, there will be lots of programs and opportunities at local schools and libraries — parents and caregivers should reach out to see what's happening nearby.
"There's quite a lot of things happening, mostly at schools," Boyczuk said enthusiastically. "One of the big events is at St. Agnes School on the evening of the 30th, and that's really exciting because of all the multicultural families there. There will be food and dancing and games and storytimes, all from different cultures, and I think there are something like 27 cultures represented at St. Agnes. ... That's from 5 to 7 (p.m.) and anyone is invited, they work hard to make it inclusive. And they will be having (Indigenous knowledge keeper) Lyndon Linklater there most of the day, as well, and he's wonderful."
"A lot of schools are holding their events on the 26th, because the actual Family Literacy Day is a Saturday. But we like to celebrate all month, anyway. It's always good to celebrate books!"
Boyczuk noted that Saskatchewan author Khodi Dill's Welcome to the Cypher has been chosen as the theme book this year. A livestream reading by Dill will take place on Jan. 26 and 27.
Boyczuk can be contacted at mjliteracy@yahoo.ca for questions and clarifications.
Learn more about Family Literacy Day, register for events like the Khodi Dill livestream, and download resource packages and at-home activities for families on the Saskatchewan Literacy Network website at saskliteracy.ca.
More links:
- www.moosejawfrc.ca/home
- www.facebook.com/moosejawfrc
- moosejawliteracynetwork.wordpress.com
- www.facebook.com/moosejawliteracy
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