by Angela Sanford
Four years ago, I returned to CCRCE as a literacy coach for secondary schools—a role I love and hope to continue until I retire in the next year or so. I’ve always recognized the importance of literacy education, and with November being Family Literacy Month, I’m excited to share the importance of family literacy with you.
Literacy touches every aspect of our lives, from reading signs and event notices to filling out forms and navigating social media. But is it enough to simply read the words? Not quite. While reading accurately and fluently is important, understanding what we read—and thinking critically about it—is essential.
According to recent provincial assessment data in Nova Scotia, about 30% of students in grades 3, 6, and 10 are not meeting grade-level reading expectations (NSEECD, 2023). The numbers are slightly lower when it comes to writing. While schools are working diligently to improve literacy, families can play a big role at home, too.
Family literacy goes beyond simply reading a book together, although that’s a wonderful activity as well. Family literacy can include:
Writing Letters: Although it’s a bit of a lost art, I still love giving and receiving handwritten cards and letters. Often, my cards are handmade, too! Taking the time to connect through a handwritten note adds a personal touch that’s both meaningful and memorable.
Making Lists: Whether it’s a grocery list, a packing list, or a family to-do list, creating lists helps with vocabulary and organizational skills.
Storytelling: While not everyone becomes a published author, sharing family stories verbally carries on the tradition of our ancestors, helping to build listening skills, attention stamina, and family connections.
Games and Puzzles: There’s a huge variety here—from paper-and-pencil games to board games, to family-friendly apps. Even watching and playing along with a television game show can help build vocabulary and critical thinking.
Evaluating Online Information: Work together to validate sources of information. Are they credible, accurate, and reliable? Whose perspective is represented? These questions are crucial in today’s digital world.
Improving literacy isn’t limited to these activities, but each of these experiences offers unique ways to strengthen literacy skills. Family literacy goes beyond the basics learning to read or write; it’s about building a family culture that values education, curiosity, and the confidence to engage with the world. By nurturing these skills together, families create a supportive environment where everyone can flourish.
Every job requires literacy—whether it’s oral communication, composition, reading, or a combination of all three. From filling out job applications and reading instructions to logging details and understanding receipts, a strong foundation in literacy is key. Reading smoothly and accurately is important, but understanding what we read and compose is essential. This involves discussing why a text was created, how it’s organized, why certain words were chosen, and how the conventions of the text tie the message together to communicate effectively. The more exposure we have, the stronger our literacy skills become.
These conversations start at home—whether it’s reading a driver’s handbook, watching a show together, scrolling through social media, or sending texts. Explore the purpose behind what’s being read or viewed, discuss how it’s crafted, and share examples by reading aloud items of interest. These simple actions can be powerful starting points for literacy growth because everyone deserves to become a confident and effective communicator.
Source: NSEECD, 2024
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