December 8, 2015 – (Toronto, ON) Each year January 27th marks Family Literacy Day in Canada. This annual celebration of families learning together happens in schools, libraries, learning centres and homes from coast to coast to coast. Created by ABC Life Literacy Canada (ABC) in 1999, Family Literacy Day also presents the opportunity for organizations to raise awareness around the importance of reading and engaging in literacy activities as a family.
There is no doubt that Family Literacy Day has become a significant Canadian cultural event. On January 27, 2015 #FamilyLiteracyDay trended fourth in Canada on Twitter, with one story published every eight seconds, as all types of organizations and Family Literacy Day enthusiasts across the country shared the fun they were having and what they were doing to make literacy learning a priority. During the surrounding weeks, over 1,000 news stories shone a spotlight on the importance of literacy and promoted local events online and in print.
As Honourary Chair, Barbara Reid will participate in several Family Literacy Day events, including a January 2016 Tweet Chat for fans of all ages. She has also created special Barbara Reid Family Literacy Day tips that incorporate literacy activities using her signature art form—modelling clay! Visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca to hear Barbara’s Family Literacy Day message and download free activities.
“I am thrilled to be the 2016 Family Literacy Day Honourary Chair," says Barbara Reid. "Through my work as an author and illustrator I encourage reading and literacy engagement. Families reading and playing together is an important theme that I often include in my books. I have been participating in Family Literacy Day events for many years now and I look forward to increasing my participation in this exciting new role.”
Barbara Reid has over twenty children’s books to her credit and is perhaps best-known for her whimsical illustrations that are created using plasticine. Her books are well loved and she has received numerous accolades and awards including the Ezra Jack Keats Award, the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People, The Governor General’s Award for Illustration and the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award.
“ABC is very excited to have Barbara Reid as the Family Literacy Day Honourary Chair for 2016,” said Gillian Mason, President, ABC Life Literacy Canada. “Barbara’s books reach parents, children, teachers, librarians, and literacy practitioners across the country—she connects with the very people we strive to rally for Family Literacy Day. With her support, we know even more Canadians will celebrate learning together this coming January 27th.”
Learning can happen at any time and ABC encourages Canadian families to have “15 Minutes of Fun” learning together this Family Literacy Day. Practicing literacy every day has tremendous benefits for both children and parents. Visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca for fun ideas to get your family started and make family time learning time!
