Literacy Day events across the Island set for Jan. 27

With activities set to take place across the Island, families from around the province can have fun while building literacy skills.

To celebrate Family Literacy Day on Jan. 27, public libraries, schools and the P.E.I. Literacy Alliance are raising awareness of the importance of reading and learning together as a family. The theme for Family Literacy Day this year is “Learn at Play, Every Day!” “When families engage in literacy activities, children feel that reading and learning are important and valued,” said Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Jordan Brown.

“By building literacy into children’s everyday activities, parents and extended family members can dramatically improve their children’s literacy skills and sharpen their own skills at the same time.” Research shows that young children learn best through interactions with parents, grandparents and other family members.

Reading, singing or playing together for 15 minutes a day can enrich relationships while

helping develop literacy skills. The provincial Family Literacy Day event will run on Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Summerside Rotary Library inside the Inspire Learning Centre. The free event will offer families story times in English and French, music, puppet shows, and healthy snacks along with face painting and giveaways.

Activities are also being organized in Island schools. For example, on Jan. 26, Cornwall’s Westwood Primary School students will take part in “Dress Up As Your Favourite Literary Character” to celebrate Family Literacy Day.