Saturday is Family Literacy Day.

 

Penny Brenton, from the Hello Parents Network of Thompson, spoke to Arctic Radio News about some of the activities they have planned for this years’ event.

 

She said that there will be several activities to choose from, and that you’re welcome to do them all. Brenton said the activities include making bookmarks, book giveaways and local celebrity readers.

 

She added that there will be a photo booth, musical entertainment and a teddy bear clinic.

 

Brenton said that they never want to see any children upset, so parents need to make sure that they’re kids bring their favourite stuffy with them.

Those events are slated to take place at the City Centre Mall near Wal-Mart between 1:00pm and 2:30pm.

 

In addition, there will also be escape rooms and board games at the library, starting at 2:00pm.

 

Brenton added that literacy skills are extremely important, and that something as simple as reading to your children when they’re young can go a long way to help them succeed once they start school.

 

She said “strong reading skills form the basis of learning in all of the subjects. It is important to identify those who struggle with reading as early as possible. Children who have been read to at home come to school with important literacy skills; they are prepared to learn, read and write. Children who have not had many experiences listening to books read aloud, or talking about books, typically start school with lower early literacy skills.”

 

If you’d like to learn more about Family Literacy Day, including some easy tips on how to promote literacy in your home, tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40pm and 5:10pm only on 102.9 CHTM.

 

Alternatively, you can click here t to listen to the interview tomorrow morning.