Here are some examples:
Below are some examples of types of family literacy programs currently available in many communities across Canada. Footnote 4 These programs are provided by a variety of agencies and organizations – including organizations that have adult literacy as their primary focus.
Books for Babies
These programs have been implemented in many communities across Canada, usually operated by volunteers in conjunction with hospital or medical centre sponsorship. Either identified before or during delivery stay in hospital, mothers receive a visit to explain the importance of reading to children from birth. After their hospital stay, parents receive book bags containing books for reading to their infants, along with tips on how to read and talk to their young children.
Book Mates
Developed by Dr. Beverly Zakaluk of the University of Manitoba, this model offers a series of workshops for parents of preschoolers that emphasize the value of reading to preschool children, the use of functional literacy to draw children’s attention to environmental print that conveys meaning throughout daily activities and the role of writing in early literacy development. Facilitator training is offered so that members of the community can conduct workshops.
Come Read With Me
Developed by the Saskatchewan Literacy Network in 1993, this prototype model provides both facilitator training and direct services to parents and their children. Programs are located in a variety of community and school settings. Program goals for parents and children include encouraging reading as a fun and valued activity for both parents and children, aiding parents to help their children develop pre-reading and reading skills, helping parents with low literacy skills read to their children, encouraging parents to pursue further adult education opportunities. Facilitator training is three days long and includes resource materials and certificate of participation on completion.
Return to note 4 The information in this section was adapted from information found on the Action for Family Literacy Ontario’s website at www.aflo.on.literacy.ca