YELLOWKNIFE (January 26, 2012) – Learning in everyday life is this year’s theme for Family Literacy Day on Friday, January 27th. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, the Honourable Jackson Lafferty, encourages families in the Northwest Territories to take time to remember that literacy includes much more than just reading and writing.
“Literacy isn’t just about reading; it can involve things like watching, listening, observing, and problem solving,” said Minister Lafferty. “Every time we try something new, we’re learning, and that contributes to our literacy, and capacity to continue learning. Recognizing our ability to learn is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves. It creates a strong foundation for success in anything we do.”
Family Literacy Day is a national awareness initiative held annually on January 27 to raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. More than 1.5 million Canadians have already participated in the initiative since its debut. Taking time every day to read or do a learning activity with children is crucial to a child’s development. Even just 15 minutes a day can improve a child’s literacy skills dramatically, and can help parents improve their skills as well.
To learn more about Family Literacy Day and see a list of events and activities in the NWT, visit the NWT Literacy Council’s website or ABCLifeLiteracy.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Public Affairs
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca