Family Literacy Day is recognized each year on January 27. The goal of the day is to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in literacy-based activities as a family.
This year the theme for Family Literacy Day is “Make Mealtime Family Time.” There are many ways that families can incorporate literacy and learning into mealtimes in fun and delicious ways. Families can do this through discussions, storytelling, or preparing recipes together.
The ABC Life Literacy Canada website provides many ideas for families to enjoy making mealtime learning time. Ideas include:
Following a recipe as a family
Writing a grocery list together
Creating crafts out of food packaging
Getting creative with alphabet cereal or pasta
Introducing new foods that may also be new words for your child(ren), learn about the new food and practice its spelling
Label items in the kitchen like the refrigerator, stove, etc.
Create a family cookbook where everyone’s favourite recipe is included
Pick a country and choose a recipe from that region, during mealtime you can learn more about that country
Explore nutrition labels and what they mean
Create a kitchen cupboard scavenger hunt
At UGDSB, we know the importance of literacy and learning. Through our classrooms and Library Learning Commons, students are able to enhance and learn new literacy skills. One of the resources we provide to families is through the Terry James Resource Centre (TJRC). TJRC has a collection of eBooks and audiobooks available through Sora for students and staff. This year for Family Literacy Day, they have curated a collection of food inspired stories and cookbooks that students can access at home with their family.
What can you do on Family Literacy Day to promote literacy and learning at home? Let us know on Instagram by tagging us @uppergrand