Who delivers family literacy in Saskatchewan?

A number of different models are in use. These include approaches such as “Come Read with Me”, “Literacy and Parenting Skills”, “Aboriginal Literacy and Parenting Skills” (ALAPS), “Parents Role Interacting with Teacher Support” (PRINTS) and “StorySacks”. The Network provides training to community members and community organizations on how to use one or more of these models.

In 2007 the SLN began offering an “Introduction to Family Literacy” Certificate workshop. The objectives for the workshop are to:

• demonstrate the principles of family literacy programming in action
• introduce participants to Family Literacy and guiding principles
• introduce participants to components within Family Literacy programs
• introduce participants to the connection between Family Literacy and Community Development
• provide direction for starting Family Literacy activities and programs
• provide information on further training
• provide an overview of Family Literacy within the province.

“Come Read with Me” was developed in 1993 by the SLN and revised in 2007. Both training for facilitators and direct services to parents and their children are offered. Programs are located in a variety of community and school settings. Program goals for parents and children include:

• helping parents appreciate and understand their role as their child’s first and most important teacher.
• encouraging reading as a fun and valuable activity for both parents and children
• using children’s books to strengthen bonds and relationships
• assisting parents at all levels of literacy, in helping their children develop pre-reading and reading skills
• using children’s books to explore relevant themes and topics that relate to individual and family situations
• creating support networks within the program that may lead to greater community involvement
• encouraging life-long learning.