April 23rd is the day for celebrating Canadian literature and reading. Dedicate April 23rd to reading and encourage friends and family to do so, too. Celebrate by picking a new book to read, reading a book to a child, or joining us for our online storytime and circle times to support child literacy!
Literacy begins before a child can read
Until the last 30 years, children were seen as non-readers until they entered school. Now, children’s attempts to read and write before they reach school age are seen as important steps in developing reading and writing abilities. And, according to research by the Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network, children who are successful readers have usually engaged in many early language and literacy activities before starting school. In fact, hearing and engaging with books read aloud to them is one of the most important activities for infants, toddlers, and pre-school children.
We are here to help. Take advantage of our online storytimes and build literacy into your family routine with some family favourites:
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon (Facebook)
- Monday-Friday at 7pm for Bedtime Stories (Facebook)
A child’s knowledge of songs and rhymes at age 3 is predictor of his/her ability to read by age 6
That’s right. There is a reason we offer circle time every day Monday through Friday! Whether you have a toddler or an infant, we’ve got you covered.
- Infants: Fridays at 12pm (Zoom)
- Toddlers: Mon/Wed/Fri from 10-10:20 (Zoom) & Tues / Thurs (Facebook)
- 1st Wednesdays at 10am (Zoom), special guests from the 519 EarlyON join us in Glitterbug – circle time that celebrates diversity of sexual orientations, family configurations, and gender identities that exist among families.
Download our Virtual Progam Schedule (with links):
Accessing other community resources
Here are a few more resources available to you in the community, to help you ensure your child takes their best step forward with literacy:
- Children’s Book Bank provides free books and literacy support to children living in low-income neighborhoods across Toronto.
- Toronto’s ReadUP‘s mission is to provide children with access to free reading support that complements and consolidates the literacy learning they receive in school.
- Enjoy your favourite children’s stories any time with Dial-a-Story and OverDrive eBooks & eAudiobooks for Kids.
- First Book Canada (FBC) launched a book portal in January, featuring board books and story books for young children, all at a discounted price for programs and educators serving kids in need. The books were specially selected by the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation (CCLF) for little ones to enjoy with their families. Read more HERE.