Red Deer Family Literacy Projects
Canadian Library Association Conference Presentation 2006 - Handout
A Program of Red Deer Public Library
Mission:
To foster greater literacy development of children and parents by
- early intervention
- building on strengths within families
- providing information, materials and personal support.
All of our programs are completely free and are delivered in a fun and friendly way.
Family Literacy programs are intended to increase the awareness of the importance of reading, and to develop literacy skills at an early age. They are offered to parents and children through the following programs:
READ Program – in a number of schools, kindergarten children and their parents have fun learning through stories, rhymes, songs, and activities to help improve literacy skills and assist in the transition to Grade 1. Involving parents is a way of helping them to improve their literacy skills so they can help their children at home.
- Download World of Words (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required)
- Download Playing With Words (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required)
Reading Pals Program - This program is offered during July and August to Elementary school age students who are referred by their teachers, and need additional support in reading and/or writing. Students are paired with a qualified tutor and another “pal,” and receive assistance to accommodate their specific needs. The program encourages a higher level of literacy in the family unit by giving the participants incentive to read independently and with family members.
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Kids Club - This is a partnership between Family Literacy and the Red Deer Centre. The Kids Club is held once every month, except during July and August, to parents and caregivers with pre-school children. It consists of stories, rhymes, songs, and other activities to encourage the development and enhancement of early literacy skills in the family. Free refreshments are provided and registration is not required. Family Reading Fun - This program is offered through local agencies where there are parents who need help with literacy. Family Literacy provides a facilitator who goes to the agency and teaches the literacy component for a portion of the agency’s regularly scheduled program. Family Literacy contributes snacks through donations. Family Literacy has received support from the community, and has established solid partnerships. If you are a business or a person interested in making a contribution to our valuable programs, we welcome your donations in the form of incentive prizes, gift certificates, funding or books. Volunteers for storytimes are always welcome. For more information, contact: Celia Jaipaul |
Thanks to Parkland Mall and Pretzels and more for the thousands of pretzels that they have served to Kids Club Participants over the years. |
The Red Deer Firefighters Children's Charities recently donated $4000.00 to Family Literacy in support of the summer Reading Pals program. This program is provided to elementary school students who require help in improving or maintaining their literacy skills during the summer. Students must be referred by their classroom teacher, and have parent consent.
Firefighters Ben and Brad made the donation at the April 12 Kids Club at the Parkland Mall. A similar donation was made once before by this wonderful organization. Thank you for your support!