Family Literacy Day
In 1994, Congress issued Joint Resolution 413 declaring November 1st Family Literacy Day. This day is observed every year to raise awareness about the importance of family literacy and the crucial role it plays in developing children’s ability to communicate effectively. Literacy skills are fundamental for success in life, and today serves as a powerful reminder that learning valuable skills doesn’t just happen in school, but also at home. Parents are encouraged to foster effective opportunities to bond with their children and teach them reading and learning skills with daily routines. Taking the time to engage with your children to strengthen their learning skills will also build a family bond. Activities such as drawing, writing, reading, singing, and talking will help improve children’s literacy skills.
Here are five important skills your child should learn:
- Phonics: A method for teaching children to read and write by teaching them the relationship between the sounds of spoken language and the written letters, syllables, or groups of letters.
- Alphabet: A standard set of letters written to represent sounds in a spoken language.
- Fluency: The ability to read a text accurately, quickly, and with expression.
- Vocabulary: A list or collection of words or of words and phrases usually alphabetically arranged and explained or defined.
- Comprehension: The ability to understand completely and be familiar with a situation or facts.
Illinois House Republicans have created The Literacy Improves Future Endeavors (LIFE) working group which focuses on improving literacy for the next generation. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many students experienced learning loss in key areas of literacy. The mission from House Republicans is to restore and improve literacy for students across Illinois so they can have a bright future and have the skills needed to navigate through life effectively. The state-wide literacy plan includes retaining and recruiting teachers, improving outcomes for kids, and empowering parents to be more engaged with teachers as they work together to improve the overall learning experience for children. House Republicans have a bold legislative package of bills that would benefit every child in Illinois and improve their communication skills.
- HB 1213: Scholarships for teachers to receive a Master’s Degree in dual credit courses
- HB 1297: Allows teachers to receive pension credit for teaching in private schools
- HB 4066: Establishes the Parent Advisory Committee in ISBE and requires school boards to implement a policy allowing parents to review curricula.
- HB 4067: Allows for literacy related teacher professional development
- HB 4068: Extends sunset for additional return to service for retired teachers
- HB 4069: Allows for those fluent in a foreign language with a bachelor’s to teach school foreign language courses. Establishes a teacher apprenticeship program
- HB 4070: Comprehensive Literacy Plan
- HR 256: Read with your Child Week
State Representative Mike Coffey is a advocate for early education and says learning literacy skills at a young age will benefit children as they grow through life.
“It’s important children learn literacy skills at home with their parents and siblings so they achieve a high level of learning,” said Coffey. “Families can get creative with ideas and lessons to make learning fun at home with their children, plus it creates a strong family bond.”
Today is a day to celebrate and bring awareness to the important role families play in elevating their children’s education through fundamental literacy. Families are encouraged to lead by example at home and engage with their children to foster a stable foundation to learn from. Let’s all come together and celebrate Family Literacy Day and spread the message about supporting the next generation and the significance of families who inspire their children to thrive with strong literacy skills.
Read more about the Literacy Improves Future Endeavors House Republican working group.