Family Literacy Day is on Jan. 27th and all over schools, libraries and families will be holding activities for reading (and pre-reading) kids. And when I first thought of activities to share with you to mark the day...well, I thought Robert Munsch (and some other Great Canadian Writers)...
Now, before you read any further - I'm all teary writing this...because when I think of Robert Munsch...I think of "I'll Love You Forever"...and that book makes me cry. Every. Time.
What you might not know is that Mr. Munsch made up "I'll Love You Forever" after he and his wife had two babies born dead. (lordy, I need a tissue) When I read the lines "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be" just touches my parental soul (and having experienced miscarriage myself - well - those lines mean everything).
If you are looking for a book for Family Literacy Day...start with reading "I'll Love You Forever " to your kids.
Then read (with your kids) Mélanie Watt - either her "Chester" series or "Scaredy Squirrel". Super funny books with great pictures.
Helaine Becker's "Secret Agent Y.O.U." is perfect for your aspiring spy kid. For the girls, read Helene Boudreau's "Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings" - it's awesome for middle readers.
As a recovering English Lit. major - I have a special addiction to literacy in all its forms. But as a busy parent, I have a tough time finding time to read (confession: I no longer read bedtime stories - either to myself or the kids - now it's hurry up and just go to bed!).
But as a family activity we incorporate literacy into daily living: like reading a recipe and baking together (hey - it's math too!), like playing bingo on family game night and having the kids read me their homework while I make dinner.
And recently, I have started making my own literacy time. Too busy to dive into "Pride & Prejudice" (I am sorry Mr. Darcy) - I gifted myself several magazine subscriptions. I throw the latest mag in my bag and it's ready for me when I wait at the doc's office, school parking lot or wherever. I am lovin' how reading a smart article or new recipe makes me feel a little more human.
Literacy is an important thing. Supporting Canadian authors is important. And doing activities as a family is the mostest important. Marry all these together on Family Literacy Day. I know I will...starting with "I'll Love You Forever".
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