It would be hard to design a more important, rewarding, and educational experience for kids than what’s coming up at the Cochrane Public Library Saturday, Jan. 20.
And if that’s not enough, there will also be puppets.
It’s Family Literacy Day, running from 1 to 2 pm, and if last year’s event is any indication, it promises to be a hit.
Carmen Erison, Program and Engagement Manager at the library, said It is so important that families focus on teaching their children literacy skills at a young age as it sets that child up for success later in life.
“By developing strong literacy skills early on, children are better equipped to communicate effectively, think critically, and succeed in their education journey,” Erison said.
The puppet shows are always a huge hit with the kids. Erison said the library is excited to welcome WP Puppet Theatre for this year’s early family literacy event.
Studies have shown early literacy is important because: It helps develop children's brains and neurological functions; it leads to greater general knowledge and expanded vocabulary; it helps develop self-confidence and independence; it is the foundation for reading, writing, communicating and socializing, and, it is important for children's full development of proficiency in the language of instruction, subsequent academic success, and high levels of self-confidence.
Children learn communications skills and build emotional and social resilience.
And the positive effects go well beyond all that.
Lower levels of literacy are linked to lower civic engagement and higher levels of incarceration and dependence on welfare.
Low levels of literacy have been linked to more frequent and longer illnesses, and even earlier death, as problems with understanding health information, how to use medications, and how to prevent illnesses or disease may result.
According to the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation, 27 per cent of kids start Grade 1 without some of the early developmental skills they need to be able to learn to read.
More than one million children in Canada are estimated to have below grade-level reading skills, as reported in An Economic Overview of Children's Literacy in Canada, a report done for Deloitte LLP.
That same report explored another aspect of the literacy discussion, and came up with a significant economic measure.
A one per cent increase in adult literacy would create an economic benefit of $67 billion gross domestic product for Canada per year.
All this and one other key point: kids seem to love having someone read to them.
Family Literacy Day takes place across the country every January to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. Since 1999, thousands of schools, libraries, literacy organizations and other community groups have taken part in the initiative.
