During a recent family literacy event, children imaged what their dream jobs could be—and practiced the skills necessary to achieve them.

After reading a story about a fisherwoman, children were asked: “if you could have any job in the world, imagine, what would be your dream job?” The answers were inspiring. The eager dreamers shared drawings that, among others, included an astronaut, teacher, paleontologist and a pharmacist.

Talking about the range of jobs available to them is a great way to get kids to envision what the future can hold. And discussing what skills are needed to do that job can start a fun conversation about literacy, learning and how to achieve your dreams.  

This activity was just one part of a Saturday morning event hosted by the Agincourt Community Services Association and ABC Life Literacy Canada in Scarborough, Ontario on November 7, 2015. Over 80 family members gathered with 36 employee volunteers from HSBC Bank Canada to celebrate learning together. At the centre of the event was HSBC Family Literacy First, a fun (free!) literacy program that offers several modules, each with a story and accompanying activities designed to bring families together to celebrate and practice their literacy skills.

It was apparent looking around the room that the volunteers, organizers and families alike were having a blast. Families who attended the event were happy to share their positive experiences. Comments included:

• We enjoyed this because we were working in [a] group and my child was excited to show [us] what he has learned
• This is a really fun program to teach kids
• It was very good family time
• We will share with friends
• We enjoyed [it, and] had a really good, quality time

This was the first year that an HSBC Family Literacy First event was held in this community, but, given the responses by everyone in attendance, it will not be the last! All modules and activities are available free online for families and community groups at www.familyliteracyfirst.ca. HSBC employee volunteers may also be available to help out at a community-based HSBC Family Literacy First event in your area.

To download the learning modules or for more information, visit www.familyliteracyfirst.ca.