National Adult Literacy Database

This year's Family Literacy Day celebration (January 27) came just weeks after very encouraging news about literacy and families in Canada. Results from the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study show that Canadian parents have one of the highest levels of involvement in literacy-related activities with their preschool-age children. "The results ... confirm that Canadian parents are doing an excellent job in fostering a culture of literacy in the home," said Ramona Jennex, Chair of CMEC and Nova Scotia's Minister of Education.

"As more financial decisions are faced by Canadians at younger and younger ages, grasping financial principles early in life is crucial to being better prepared to participate in the Canadian and global economy and avoiding pitfalls in financial decision making." -- Report of Canada’s Task Force on Financial Literacy

The Project READ Literacy Network Waterloo-Wellington is supportive of parents who wish to improve their knowledge and skills to foster emerging literacy in their children.

Families having fun together is an ideal learning situation for children. Even 15 minutes of fun a day can make a big difference. That’s why this year’s National Family Literacy Day theme is, “15 Minutes of Fun.” The NWT Literacy Council encourages families to celebrate Family Literacy Day on January 27 by having fun together on that day and everyday.

Community Literacy Classroom on Wheels, popularly known as the COW Bus, visited the Samson Bingo Hall in Hobbema, Alberta, on January 18, 2013. Over 3,000 books were distributed to First Nations families on the occasion of the family literacy celebration.

Toronto Public Library has some suggested reading in time for Family Literacy Day on January 27 and it's not just for children. How about 'Beyond Bedtime Stories: A Parent's Guide to promoting reading, writing and other literacy skills from birth to 5?'

ABC Life Literacy Canada and HSBC Bank Canada are working together to help Canadian families increase their literacy skills this year. HSBC Bank Canada is the 2013 and 2014 title sponsor of the HSBC Learning Activity Centre, in support of ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Family Literacy Day January 27.

MediaSmarts, a Canadian centre for digital and media literacy, is dedicated to providing parents and educators with the information and tools they need to help young people safely and effectively navigate today’s digital world. MediaSmarts works closely with its sponsors and partners to advance education around important issues such as cyberbullying, online hate, privacy and Internet safety.

Get ready for Family Literacy Day on January 27, 2013! This year’s theme is “15 minutes of fun.” Just 15 minutes a day spent on reading or fun learning activities as a family has tremendous benefits for both children and parents.