At New Westminster Family Place, we know literacy is more than just reading and writing—it’s the foundation for communication, learning, and exploring the world. During Literacy Week, we’re proud to highlight our partnerships with the New Westminster Public Library and Cameray to bring meaningful literacy programs and resources to the families we serve. Together, we’re creating opportunities to spark a love for books and stories in children from the earliest ages.
What Is Literacy?
Literacy encompasses the skills we use to read, write, speak, and listen. For children, literacy starts with simple actions like recognizing shapes, understanding symbols, and responding to sounds. These foundational skills build confidence and prepare children to express themselves, learn about the world, and connect with others.
The Importance of Reading to Your Baby
Reading to your baby or young child, even before they understand the words, is a powerful way to foster literacy skills. Looking at pictures, exploring colors, and hearing your voice builds early language understanding. Research shows that reading with your child enhances their vocabulary, strengthens bonds, and encourages curiosity. Don’t worry if your baby seems more interested in chewing the book than listening—it’s all part of the learning process!
Expanding Literacy Resources for All
We’re thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone in our partnership with the New Westminster Public Library. Our Early Childhood Educator, Aida, has collaborated with the library team to introduce books in Tigrinya, the Eritrean language, to their collection! This meaningful addition reflects the diversity of our community and ensures families can access materials in their native language.
We also host Tigrinya Storytime, led by Aida and Fernanda, in the library’s children’s section once a month. Join us for the next session on February 20, 2025, to enjoy storytelling, songs, and cultural connection.
Bringing Literacy to Life at Family Place
At our drop-in spaces, literacy is always a focus:
- The Reading Nook: Discover age-appropriate books recommended by children’s librarians, with a new theme each week. This is the perfect place to cuddle up with your little one and share a story.
- Circle Time: Alicia, one of the library’s fantastic children’s librarians, joins us monthly to lead songs, rhymes, and stories. Don’t miss her visit to our Quayside drop-in on February 7.
- Babytalk Sessions: Rebecca, another wonderful children’s librarian, will host an interactive Babytalk drop-in session on February 3, full of tips and fun for parents with babies.
- Free Books Fridays: At our uptown drop-in, Annie from Cameray offers a literacy program where families can choose free books to take home.
- The Toy Lending Library: spend time at the library and leave with a toy to borrow for up to three weeks from our Family Place Toy Lending Library!
Join the Celebration
This Literacy Week, we invite you to join us in exploring the joy of reading and storytelling. Whether you attend a Tigrinya Storytime, settle into a book at a drop-in Reading Nook, or sing along at Circle Time, there are countless ways to share the magic of literacy with your child.
Together with the New Westminster Public Library and Cameray, we’re proud to support families in building strong, happy readers—one story at a time.