Family Literacy Week encouraging learning at the dinner table and beyond

Literacy groups are encouraging families to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities this week. Carla Shynkaruk reports.

Family Literacy Week is kicking off across Saskatchewan, encouraging families to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities, especially when sitting down to eat.

This year’s theme highlights how simple activities like cooking, setting the table, and sharing meals can help build early literacy skills. At the same time, experts are also drawing attention to the growing impact of technology on children’s learning.

At family literacy hubs across the province, children are improving literacy in a variety of ways — from listening to storybooks to following instructions during play.

Sheryl Harrow-Yurach, executive director of Foundations Learning and Skills Saskatchewan, says all of these activities help strengthen early literacy.

“Conversations happen in the kitchen. They happen when you prep meals. They happen when you set the table,” she told CTV News.

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She emphasized that there are no fancy gadgets or expensive learning tools needed for these valuable teaching moments with kids.

Tuesday marks the 27th annual Literacy Day across Canada, with Provincial Literacy Week running until Jan. 31.

The focus this year is on maximizing everyday routines to support learning before children enter kindergarten.

For parents like Brandynn Diebert, programs such as Learn to Soar a preschool class offered at Lakewood Civic Centre, are important for her 3-year-old daughter to develop and grow.

“We dropped in to listen to some stories and play some games, just for her to meet some new friends and learn some stories and play some games.”

Saskatchewan Families and Literacy partners are coming together throughout the week to celebrate learning that begins at home.

“Learning starts at birth, if not even before,” Harrow-Yurach explained. “When we read with our children, spend time with them, and talk with them, we’re exposing them to vocabulary and concentration.”

She admits that technology is also a key part of the literacy conversation this year.

Harrow-Yurach says many parents are asking questions about screen time and handheld devices.

“Parents are really interested in how much time their child should be spending on an iPad,” she said.

She adds that growing research shows children under the age of two should not be exposed to technology.

“It’s hard to grow critical thinking skills, reading skills, writing skills — all of those important foundations — through technology when it’s handing you the information,” she said.

Family Literacy Week continues with events and resources available at local family literacy hubs as well as schools and libraries across Saskatchewan.

Foundations Learning and Skills Saskatchewan, along with ten Family Literacy Hubs across the province, are coordinating community events, a province-wide Family Literacy Bingo challenge, and a common book selection, Salma the Syrian Chef, which celebrates food, culture, and belonging.

Families can download the Family Literacy Bingo card, explore activities, and learn more about provincial events here.