Whether you are soaring high on the wings of a unicorn or reading a map to get to that next special spot, literacy can take you places.
The magic of words will be celebrated through art, stories, writing, community adventures and more from Jan. 23 to 29 as Family Literacy Week kicks off in the Comox Valley.
With events throughout the week including elementary school open houses, StrongStart fun, art making at the Comox Valley Art Gallery, the annual North Island College Story Slam and a visit from Inuit storyteller Michael Kusugak, local residents of all ages can get out and enjoy the fun.
Everything culminates on Family Literacy Day next Friday with the Courtenay Library as the hub for everything from goodie bag giveaways and learning adventures to storytelling sessions.
Here is the schedule:
• All Day – Pick up your passports with stickers to mark visits at each station/event and local merchant discounts for Whale’s Tale Toys, Laughing Oyster Books and the Zocalo Café.
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Interactive, community partner stations for children & families throughout the library — Strong Starts, C.V. Family Services, 4R’s Education Centre, Pacific Care Society, NIC, Creative Employment Access and the Child Development Association. Gift book bags for each family.
• 10:10 to 10:40 a.m. — Captain Thunderpants storyteller;
• 10:45 to 11 a.m. — Opening — K’ómoks welcome, C.V. Lifelong Learning Association announcement, new child sign unveiled and announcement of new library kits. Recognize sponsors and dignitaries;
• 11 to 11:30 a.m. — Inuit storyteller Michael Kusugak
• 11:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. — Rhyme Time with Carlene Steeves and Colleen Friendship
• 12:15 to 12:30 p.m. — Local celebrity readers.
Family Literacy Week is a week-long community celebration of storytelling, art, reading and learning that culminates in Family Literacy Day on Jan. 27.
While Michael Kusugak takes main stage, this year’s celebration also includes local celebrities, art shows, roving storytellers and a chance to explore the community.
Family Literacy Day is a national awareness initiative created by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1999. This special day promotes the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. Developing early childhood reading and writing skills helps develop the learning skills necessary for good communication skills later in life, and can ultimately contribute to a child’s chances for future success.
Local sponsors for 2012 include the Comox Valley Lifelong Learning Association, Strathcona Sunrise Rotary, Vancouver Island Regional Library, Comox Valley School District 71 and Our Big Earth Media Co.
— Our Big Earth Media Co.