Connect with your children through reading

Falmouth resident Geraldine Miller often made efforts to read to her granddaughter Tarryn Miller. But after four years in a Family Literacy Course, this grandmother says she now able to do more than just read to her word-for-word. “(The course) taught me a whole different way of reading,” Geraldine Miller noted. “I do not feel I read to (Tarryn); I read with her now … and it’s simply more enjoyable.”

It’s better to act the words out with expression and stop for questions along the way because these are the differences between reading with and reading to a child and it often changes how kids listen to what is being said, Geraldine Miller noted. “You can tell a child who reads or doesn’t … every child is not read to and it is a shame really.”

For Geraldine Miller, a highlighting moment, for family literacy, occurred three years ago. “Nanny, let me read,” Tarryn Miller asked when she was around six years in age. “Let me read a story tonight.”

Now, at age nine, Tarryn carries on her love of books by reading to her baby brother Hudsyn Benedict.

To see Tarryn passing along what began by reading her books makes a grandmother content, Geraldine adds. “She’s instilling a love of books.”

On Jan.27, the Hants Learning Network Association, in partnership with the Windsor Library, will hold a celebration for storytelling, to help promote Family Literacy Day.

Coordinator Karen Ferguson, with the Hants Learning Network Association, said the event, being held at the Windsor Library from 3–4:30 p.m., provides adults with one way to reconnect with their children through reading and writing. “There is going to be storytelling, singing, activities and cake to enjoy ... everyone should just be there.”

Making reading fun and enjoyable creates the conditions for lifelong learning and helps make people more productive, Ferguson noted. “Information is coming to us in a quicker pace and volume. Technology helps but a basic understanding (of literacy) is just critical.”

Literacy is a key ingredient that allows people to function in society. The beauty of adult learning is any learning starts where people are, says Ferguson. “To reach their goals in learning.”

For more information on free learning opportunities for adults and families in West Hants contact 792–6754 or email Karen Ferguson (at hantslearning@hotmail.com.)