- Visit the ABC CANADA website
Family Literacy Day Events in Toronto - 2009
In 2009 Family Literacy Day falls on a Tuesday, which means many events are actually planned on the weekend before. Of course schools may also have special literacy events planned which parents can volunteer at, and you can always plan a fun family literacy activity for after school on the 27th.
Join in on the World Record Attempt
Saturday January 23rd & Sunday January 24th
This year the ABC Canada Literacy Foundation has paired up with Oxford Learning in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for "Most Children Reading With an Adult, Multiple Locations". The idea is to have as many pairs or groups of adults reading to children as possible participate for half an hour in the 24 hours between 2pm on the 23rd and 2pm on the 24th. Everyone will be reading from the same set of five stories by Family Literacy Day's honorary chair Robert Munsch; Pigs, Mortimer, Purple, Green and Yellow, Murmel, Murmel, Murmel and Something Good. There are numerous public events for you to participate at, including many at local library branches and Oxford Learning Centres. Of course you can also register to host your own event or read at home.
- For info on how to register your own event or to find the public event nearest you, visit the Family Literacy Day website.
Attend Toronto Public Library Events
Throughout January
Family literacy is a year-round event at the Toronto Public Library, but throughout January there are extra activities planned in the lead up to Family Literacy Day including storytelling workshops, crafts, family fun nights and programs for parents.
- See the TPL Family Day Celebrations web page for more events.
KidSpark Storytime at the Ontario Science Centre
Monday January 26
A regular event at the Science Centre, there happens to be a KidSpark Storytime scheduled for the day before Family Literacy Day. Suitable for ages 2-7, these events are free with admission to the Science Centre, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- See the Ontario Science Centre - KidSpark webpages for details on this and other events for kids.
Things to Do at Home for Family Literacy Day
Of course one thing you can do is simply take time in the evening to read together and talk about what you've read. Kids can also be encouraged to draw pictures of their favorite part of the story. If you'd like to do something a little more involved...
Play Drama Games (Prepare With a Visit to TheatreBooks)
Playing drama games together or taking turns telling stories is something that can become an ongoing activity for your family. If you need help getting started, TheatreBooks is a Toronto bookstore that specializes in books for theatre and film professionals and hobbyists and has an extensive section called Drama in Education. Parents can visit ahead of Family Literacy Day or you can go as a family on the 27th to see what appeals to everyone (the store is open from 10am to 7pm on Tuesdays). TheatreBooks is located at 11 St. Thomas Street (one block west of Bay St. just south of Bloor), or you can also order books online.
- Visit the TheatreBooks website for more info and to browse the book selection online.
Introduce the Write/Right to Read Contest
Every year the non-profit organization World Literacy of Canada holds a themed creative writing contest for kids called Write/Right to Read. Participants have the chance to win book prizes and to have their entry published online. In 2009 the story has actually been started by author Kenneth Oppel, and students in Grades 4-6 have until August 28th to submit how they'd finish (and illustrate) the story, while keeping in mind this year's theme of tolerance and acceptance. Of course entries must be written without the help of an adult, so you shouldn't be writing the story as a family activity. Parents however can visit the website in advance, read all the rules and if you like the idea, print off the pdf contest package with Oppel's opening paragraph and present the idea on Tuesday night.
Update on "Keep Toronto Reading"
Although the Toronto Public Library's Keep Toronto Reading Festival has been held in February in the past (which made Family Literacy Day an ideal time to prep for it), the 2009 festival has been scheduled for April. Watch the KTR website for more details, especially the announcement of the selection for the One Book reading program.
- Visit the official Keep Toronto Reading website.
For More Ideas...
Visit the Family Literacy Day section of the ABC Canada website.
