Department of Education launches new parent reading handbook

Education Minister Judy Foote today launched a new reading handbook at the A.C. Hunter Library to help parents support their children�s reading development.

"I am delighted we are able to make this resource available to parents throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Foote. "The early years of a child�s life are critical to building a strong foundation for literacy development. It is important for parents and caregivers to embrace their role as a child�s first teacher. This handbook continues our focus on programs and resources that concentrate on early childhood literacy development."

The reading handbook includes suggestions for reading tips that can be used on a daily basis to make reading the family thing to do. It gives ideas about how to make reading enjoyable for children and how to engage them in the reading and learning process.

"Creating a culture of literacy is a goal of this government," said Minister Foote. "We are committed to raising the literacy levels province-wide and research confirms that we must introduce reading to children early in their lives to make a difference in literacy achievement. This handbook provides helpful and practical advice on how to instill a love of reading in children."

The Department of Education received a $30,000 grant from the National Literacy Secretariat for this new resource. Approximately 25,000 copies have been printed and a copy will be distributed to each family in the province with preschool and primary aged children. It has also been included in the KinderStart package and can be viewed or downloaded on-line at /edu/literacy/handbook.htm. "I am grateful to the National Literacy Secretariat for their continuing support of literacy initiatives in this province," said Minister Foote.

"I am pleased to launch this new resource this week, which is Canadian Children�s Book Week," said the minister. "Canadian Children�s Book Week stresses not only the importance of reading to young children, but highlights the many talented Canadian authors and illustrators who are producing wonderful narratives which captivate children across the country."

Sponsored by the Canadian Children�s Book Centre, Canadian Children�s Book Week, encourages the reading and writing of children�s books. This year, the A.C Hunter Library welcomed St�phane Jorisch, an award-winning author/illustrator from Montreal.

"I hope all parents take advantage of the information contained in the parent reading handbook. Encouraging children to read and write, starting when they are preschoolers, is the most important thing parents can do to lay the foundation for future success in school," said Minister Foote.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2002 11 06                                        1:00 p.m.