On January 27th, Canada celebrates Family Literacy Day to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in activities related to literacy as a family. Since its founding by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1999, the day has brought together thousands of schools, libraries, and literacy programs. This year’s theme is “Learn to Be Green, Together,” teaching families about sustainable practices like using less electricity, carpooling, and recycling through virtual events and free learning resources.
To commemorate Family Literacy Day, let’s explore the benefits of reading and learning together as a household.
Improved Literacy Skills
Reading aloud enhances children’s literacy skills in a variety of ways. Their capability to understand phonics and advanced language increases as they are exposed to vocabulary words they may not encounter daily. Consider discussing a book with your family after reading the story, as reflecting on events in the book enhances a child’s critical thinking and analysis skills. Additionally, the ability to communicate thoughts and opinions develops through discussion. These skills increase the chances of a child’s future academic success. According to the National Institute for Literacy, children whose parents are involved with them in family literacy activities score ten points higher on standardized reading tests.
Positive Relationship With Reading
Reading with your child may foster a lifelong love for books. Kids continue to use literary sources to seek knowledge and information as they grow up. According to Scholastic Canada, 57 percent of kids who are frequent readers have parents who read books five to seven days per week, compared to only 15 percent of kids who are infrequent readers. Encouraging reading from a young age helps them stay informed and engaged with the world in the long run.
Stronger Family Bonds
Reading together allows families to connect on a deeper level. For example, books can spark positive conversations, especially when parents engage their children with topics in the text. Having a parent or older sibling read to a younger child can increase the child’s feelings of closeness, safety, and support. Instead of making learning solely individual, hone in on the social aspect to improve overall family dynamics.
Cultural Awareness
Reading allows children to step into a protagonist’s shoes and escape to another world. As a result, they learn about characters of various backgrounds and cultures, promoting empathy for different life experiences. Sharing diverse stories with your family can help build respect and dismantle harmful stereotypes at a young age. Make the most of your child’s youth by enlightening their knowledge of geography, ethnicities, and traditions so that they may grow into compassionate, well-informed adults.
Increased Imagination
Books have the magical capacity to transport readers of all ages into different locations and periods. Reading allows us to explore other worlds and broaden our horizons. When you read together, you provide your family with a shared space to visualize and interpret stories. Try reading aloud so that your loved ones can picture the characters, setting, and events with you. Everyone can flex their creativity skills by forming backstories, alternate endings, or other details to add to the text.
Consider taking a moment out of each day to learn together. Books create magical experiences for imagination and bonding that transcend generations. Whether you observe Family Literacy Day or not, be sure to grab a book and celebrate the value of literacy with loved ones, young and old.
Need family book recommendations? Be sure to check out these 5 Wonderful Library Reads That Are Perfect for the Family.
Browse some incredible children’s books on our Mini Bookworm shelf on Bookshop!
