The Child & Youth Network, in partnership with the London Public Library, is encouraging families to get talking through fun conversation cards in preparation for Family Literacy Day.
“Our job, as community partners, is to try to make literacy a way of life for families. As well, to help them make their children love reading and to build literacy skills. We are very cognizant that it has to be something easy to fit their lives,” says Frances Cutt, literacy facilitator with the London Public Library.
From, ‘how much water does a pineapple or tomato have?’ to ‘let’s make a game out of matching the socks,’ big ones and little ones can start a conversation and learn while having fun.
“Conversation cards are so important. We know that research tells us that it’s the back and forth conversation between adults and children that build later success in school and job achievement,” adds Cutt.
According to the Child & Youth Network, 1 in 3 children in London, in the age range of 8 to 14, are not meeting the literacy and numeracy standards established by the province. The mission is to create awareness in the community and give children a little push for a better future.
“We are working on one that is for restaurants and dinner time. Hopefully, that card will be launched sometime in March. The goal is trying to get people to focus on turning off their screens – cellphones off – and actually talking to each other,” says the facilitator.
Games, crafts, and story time are some of the activities London families will be able to get involved in celebration of Family Literacy Day on January 26 at the central branch.
ONE WEEK TO GO! 💛⭐️🎈🎉 Join us Saturday, January 26 from 10-2 for our biggest celebration of Family Literacy Day ever #ldnont!
So many free and exciting activities for families to enjoy at Central Library including a concert with Cosima & @jackgrunsky : https://t.co/KQtk9mTCti pic.twitter.com/PYGAQLnkW4— LondonPublicLibrary (@londonlibrary) January 19, 2019
