The Fraser Valley Regional Library is celebrating Family Literacy Day in Canada on Jan. 27 with the launch of a new literacy program.
The new initiative is called 1,000 Stories Before Kindergarten for families with preschoolers. Children can register for the free program by visiting any FVRL location.
FVRL's early literacy program encourages families to share 1,000 stories with their preschooler before they enter kindergarten.
"Our innovative, self-paced program helps parents jumpstart their child's literacy skills in the first years of life," said Heather Scoular, Director of Customer Experience at FVRL. "It is well documented in both the learning and medical communities that children's early experiences with books and reading help prepare them for school and set them up for success in later life."
Registered preschoolers receive a free keep-sake reading log to track the stories they hear. The illustrated log offers parents helpful tips on how to read, write, talk, sing and play with their child. All stories are eligible, whether read at home, preschool, daycare or even library storytimes. A sticker is awarded to the child for every 50 stories. Completing a log can take anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on how often parent and child read together.
Literacy events for all ages happen throughout the year at FVRL. Search for events by visiting fvrl.ca and clicking on the events tab.