This is Family Literacy Week, and during the week the Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy society (CCPL) is sponsoring events to promote literacy.
The formal definition of literacy is a “fundamental skill for effective communication, social engagement, and keeping up with current events.” It is the continuation of learning and proficiency in reading, writing and arithmetic.
Canada is lagging behind other countries in literacy levels in spite of our relatively high education rates. One study found one in six adults in Canada failed a most basic set of literacy tests. Our math and reading skills have dropped since 2018 and we still have adults who haven’t mastered the basic three Rs.
Low literacy doesn’t mean we lack skills. Most of us leave school with the basics, but we forget some things as we learn new skills. For years Canada has had well -paying jobs (such as in resource industries) that don’t require workers to have high levels of literacy. That’s not so true today.
The CCPL was formed in 1997 and became a charitable organization in 2000. It believes literacy development should be a joint effort between home and school. “Encouraging young learners to immerse themselves in reading frequently and deeply, discussing texts together and using games and activities that support literacy development are some ways to support literacy development,” they suggest.
The society promotes literacy all year by offering diverse programs such as story time at the library and Scout Island, parenting book clubs, free books for children, family festivals and interactive events to raise public awareness around literacy issues.
Family week is one of the latter activities. Check it out.
