Family Literacy Fact Sheet

What is literacy?

Literacy is the way we understand and use print material at work, at home and in the community. Literacy also means being connected to your language and culture.

What is family literacy?

Family literacy is the way that families show that talking, reading, writing and learning are an important part of life. Family literacy happens naturally in our homes and in our community, every day.

What can I do at home with my children?

• Help them write a letter or send an email.
• Let your children help you use a recipe to bake cookies.
• Share bedtime stories.
• Make up stories.
• Read a story and then do a craft activity.
• Count the number of pennies you have in your wallet.
• Put labels on items in your home.
• Talk to your child about the colours a shapes of things around you.
• Sing songs or say rhymes.
• Read labels and signs in the grocery store.
• Tell family stories.
• Ask your children about their day.
• Take your child to the library.

Why is this important?

• Reading, singing, storytelling and talking play an important part in your child's language development.
• Strong literacy skills start with strong language development.
• Children who have strong literacy and language skills in Inuktitut are more likely to become fluent speakers. They are also less likely to have problems learning English later on.
• Children who start school with strong language and literacy skills have fewer problems at school, are less likely to drop out and have a much higher chance of going on to complete high school.
• Parents who show their children that learning is important are more likely to have children who value reading, learning and education.

Designed and hosted by in collaboration with The Nunavut Literacy Council