Literacy Matters

Literacy is how we make sense of the world. Literacy is a foundational skill that helps us understand and communicate ideas.

Literacy is more than reading and writing.  It is about having the skills to understand and communicate ideas in a variety of ways, think critically about concepts, and develop an understanding of subject matter. Teachers in SD73 focus on teaching literacy skills that will create thoughtful citizens and life-long learners.

 "Literacy is not something you add to an already overcrowded plate; literacy is the plate."

— Irvin, Meltzer, and Dukes 2007

Literacy Matters

 Reading at School
In Every Child, Every Day, Dr. Richard Allington and Rachael Gabriel write that literacy instruction should include six daily elements. It is important students of all ages:
  • read something they choose
  • read accurately
  • read with understanding
  • write about something personally meaningful
  • talk with peers about reading and writing
  • listen to a fluent adult read aloud

The SD73 Literacy Team highlights these elements during collaboration with teachers.
 Reading at Home
Children's author Emilie Buchwald believes, “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” When reading at home with young children, try to:
  • read every day
  • pick a book you both enjoy
  • give your full attention
  • engage with the story and talk about it
  • praise your child for trying hard
  • stay positive and make reading fun

Keep reading with older children – even after they have learned to read. There is no age when the benefits of being read to expire. Encourage youth and teens to read for enjoyment. Like any accomplishment, becoming a proficient reader takes time and commitment.
 Reading in the Community

SD73 is pleased to collaborate with many community partners on literacy.

Literacy in Kamloops provides additional literacy opportunities in many schools. These may include One-to-One reading support and Come Read with Me parent information sessions about Reading Success at Home. To help with home reading, eight schools have Bright Red Book Shelves with free donated books.

SD73, Literacy in Kamloops, the Boys and Girls Club of Kamloops, and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Library of Kamloops collaborate on the Bright Red Book Bus, which gives out free books to children at many school and park locations over the summer.

SD73 partners with these groups, as well as Kamloops Early Language and Literacy Initiative, the City of Kamloops, Pacific Sport, the YMCA, and Interior Savings Credit Union, on Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week. North Thompson and Chase schools coordinate a similar event with local partners.

Kamloops Early Language and Literacy and Make Children First both work in partnership with SD73 to provide early literacy information, programs, and events for families with children from birth to age 5 in Kamloops and area. These include Parent-Child Mother Goose Programs, Family Literacy Nights, ABC Family Literacy Day, Teddy Bear/Mother Goose Picnic, and our Strong, Prepared And Ready for Kindergarten (SPARK) initiative.

It is by working together that educators, parents, and community members can help children and youth become joyful and life-long literacy learners.

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