You know literacy is important, but do you know what literacy really is? It's far more than just reading and writing.
Literacy is communication. A person's ability to express themselves clearly and make sense of the world around them. Reading and writing is an important part of this, but there's more. Listening and storytelling are other aspects of literacy. Here at the library we want everyone to know how to read, but we really want people to understand, and make good decisions because they understand.
The basis of literacy starts with you and your children. Read together every day, but do more than read! Go outside for a bug hunt and learn about the world. Bake your grandmother's chocolate chip cookies together. Build a tree house or play basketball. If there's something you don't know how to do, learn together. Talk to your children and listen to what they have to say. This is cultural literacy, passing on the knowledge of one generation to the next outside of a formal school setting.
And remember that you're not alone. Take a lesson from First Nations culture, where learning from elders and community is recognized as essential. There's a community out there able to help with this cultural learning process. Extended family, coaches, and youth leaders all have valuable lessons to pass on to children.
The library is a part of community learning, as well. Many of our branches put on programs such as crafts and story times. And a book is a great place to start learning a new skill to practice together.
So if you're not sure how to get started, come down to your local library. We have books, space, and lots of ideas.
