Family Literacy Day has been celebrated on a national level for over 14 years, and this year Powell River Literacy Council and First Credit Union have partnered once again to host a fun, engaging and educational event for local families.
Children (and fun-loving adults) are invited to put on their favourite pair of pajamas on Friday, January 24, and come out to Powell River Recreation Complex to celebrate literacy with a Books Before Bed Pajama Party. This event focuses on bringing families together to engage children in a variety of fun literacy-themed activities, including reading bedtime stories.
“That time you spend reading with your child is so special,” said First Credit Union marketing and communications specialist Tara Chernoff. “Our lives can get so busy that it’s easy to miss that one-on-one connection. Taking 10 or 15 minutes to read before bed with my boys has always been one of the best parts of my day.”
Family Literacy Day is open to all families, and features activities for children zero to eight years old including meeting cuddly friends, creating one-of-a-kind art, singing songs and, of course, listening to stories—including one read by a very special guest. At 4:30 pm City of Powell River Mayor Dave Formosa will be at the event to show his support for literacy initiatives in the community by reading a story to local families, while wearing his favourite pajamas.
Although this year’s Family Literacy Day focuses on early acquisition of reading skills, Powell River literacy outreach coordinator Madeleine Somerville is quick to emphasize that literacy lives far beyond the pages of a book.
“Literacy often begins with reading, especially for the little ones, but it definitely doesn’t end there,” she said. “Literacy is a continuous process, and by pairing reading at this event with activities like art, games, music and food, we hope to demonstrate how important it is to encourage our children to be lifelong learners, curious and eager to master new skills, whatever they may be.”
Books Before Bed Pajama Party will be held from 4 to 7 pm. For more information readers can contact Somerville at 604.485.2004 or email [email protected].
