ABC Life Literacy Canada

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10 exciting family learning tips and activities benefitting adults and children

February 13, 2009 - Toronto, ON – In celebration of Family Day being observed across parts of Canada this month, ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation encourages families to integrate reading and learning into the family fun, and every day.

"Family Day is all about families spending time together and we are asking Canadians to use some of that family time to read and learn together to help reinforce the importance of literacy in everyday life," said Margaret Eaton, President, ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation. “Spending just 15 minutes of family time learning together every day can help sharpen the literacy skills of each member of the family, and there are several ways to weave family learning into fun activities you already enjoy.”

ABC CANADA offers the following ideas to assist adults in making family learning a priority in your home:

• Get Culture: If visiting an art gallery or museum, be sure to read the descriptions on displays and exhibits to enhance the learning experience.
• Follow a Recipe Together: Following recipes is a great (and tasty) way to practise reading, comprehension and math skills.
• Dear Grandma: Write a letter or email to a loved one. Each family member can contribute one paragraph describing something about themselves.
• Sing for your supper: Singing songs together will help your child develop greater awareness of rhythm, rhyme, words and sounds. Karaoke also incorporates reading into the fun.
• Game On!: Hold a family game tournament where each member of the family chooses their favourite board game for the group to play. Each player should take a turn reading cards and keeping score.
• The Count: If out shopping, ask your children to help you count out the change when you make a purchase to reinforce math in everyday life.
• Watch a Book: Many great stories have been adapted for the big screen. Read a story together first, then watch the movie equivalent; The Harry Potter series is a great example.
• Travel the World: Visit the library and borrow books about different places around the world. You could even chart your “travels” on a map.
• Go Surfing: Navigate the Internet with your child to find fun, educational and interactive websites.
• Let them catch you reading: Act as a reading role model by reading in your spare time. Remember that children learn by example.

For more information on literacy in Canada and family literacy tips, please visit www.abc-canada.org

About ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation
ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation is Canada’s private-sector voice championing adult literacy. The national charity envisions a Canada where individuals, regardless of their circumstances, are provided the opportunities to increase the skills that prepare people for realizing their full potential at work, at home and in the community. To learn more, visit www.abc-canada.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen Benner
Manager of Corporate Communications
Phone: 416-218-0010 x 122
Toll free: 1-800-303-1004 x 122
email: kbenner@abc-canada.org

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