Family Literacy Day
January 27th is Family Literacy Day. This is an annual event organized by ABC Canada Literacy Foundation to encourage children to read more.
Christine Featherstone, the president of the ABC Canada Literacy Foundation, says "Literacy activities can be built into everything that they do: writing a shopping list, playing on the computer, playing Scrabble, reading a story, writing a note to Grandma--all those things are literacy activities and we want them to do that every day with their family."
Featherstone even recommends family members read to babies so infants get used to the sound of their voice, and the presence of literature.
The trick is to make reading fun, not a chore.
"For older kids, make sure you turn the TV off for an hour after dinner because that frees the kids' minds up. For littler kids, have lots of books in the house, lots of books. Read to them as much as you can, play word games with them. Make it fun. Don't make it school."
Job Readiness Program
The Job Readiness Program has moved into a new phase. All the students have gone on to their placements at different jobs in the community. They put in a lot of hours and worked very hard. The course proved to be invaluable in that it sparked some into finishing their studies to acquire their grade 12. It also gave an insight into employment that a lot had not thought of before.
The many speakers and presenters were patient and helpful. They helped our students do resumes, cover letters and mock interviews. These things are great confidence builders.
The students did a complete day on the Smart Serve course and two days on First Aid and CPR. They spent another day getting their WHIMIS certificate, and yet another on earning their Ontario SuperHost certificate.
They enjoyed themselves and we finished off with a Christmas party and diplomas.
It was great having them here in the building and it is so quiet since they left. We wish them the best ofluck as they move out into the working world.
Monday, January 23, 2006 is the 39th General Election. Make sure you are part of it.