The Manitoba government is helping children develop strong reading and writing skills by investing $250,000 in additional funding for the Early Literacy Intervention Initiative. This announcement was made by Education Minister Nancy Allan, before reading to grade 1 and 2 students at Greenway School to kick off I Love to Read Month.
“Reading opens the door to lifelong learning,” said Allan. “This new funding ensures Manitoba students are prepared for success in school and life.”
The Early Literacy Intervention Initiative supports programs that increase the reading and writing ability of the lowest achieving students in Grade 1 of the English or French programs, and grades 1 or 2 of the French immersion program. Today’s announcement brings total funding for the initiative to $7 million for the 2013-14 school year.
Manitoba Teachers’ Society president Paul Olson also stressed the importance of reading, while recognizing the value of I Love to Read Month in promoting a lifelong love of reading.
“Strong literacy is a foundation not only of the study that students do, but of being an informed member of society. People who read widely and critically over the course of their lives aren’t just better students, they’re better citizens.”
I Love to Read is an annual month-long celebration to encourage reading, writing and sharing in the joy of literacy.
Creative Retirement president Lynne Axworthy was also on hand to recognize I Love to Read Month.
“Our volunteers have been reading and telling stories to children in Manitoba schools for 30 years,” said Axworthy. “As an organization of lifelong learners, we recognize and appreciate the value of literacy.”
The minister noted parents, guardians and family members play a major role in helping young children learn to appreciate the power of pictures and stories.
“Reading to your child every day increases literacy skills and is one of the most important things you can do to prepare him or her for learning to read,” Allan said. “Parents, grandparents and other family members are a key to success in helping kids learn to love reading.”
