Education Minister Nancy Allan and Manitoba Teachers’ Society president Paul Olson stressed the importance of reading when they visited Greenway School in Winnipeg School Division’s central district to read to students in recognition of “I Love to Read” month.
“Reading opens the door to lifelong learning,” said Allan. “Once a child becomes a reader, his or her life is vastly enriched. I Love to Read month is the perfect time to develop the reading skills necessary for rewarding school and life experiences.”
I Love to Read is an annual month-long celebration to encourage reading, writing and sharing in the joy of literacy, the minister said. This year’s theme, A World of Whimsy and Wonder, celebrates the fact that literacy opens up a world of possibilities, she added.
“Reading is central to learning. However, while reading is a hugely important skill, the written word brings a greatness that is far more than simply practical,” said Olson. “I Love to Read month celebrates the work and the joy – the Whimsy and Wonder – that teachers and students share in reading every day.”
To support participation in I Love to Read month, the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg has developed an idea calendar of activities that teachers and families can use to engage learners and teach them about the world around them.
“We thank the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg and all of our literacy partners for the work they do in promoting literacy,” said Allan. “We hope teachers and students have fun with the activities and it challenges students to learn something new and exciting.”
The minister noted parents, guardians and family members play a major role in helping young children learn to appreciate the power of simple pictures and stories that can lead to a lifelong love of reading.
“I encourage families to take some time to read together every day,” Allan said. “It provides families the opportunity to spend quality time together and promotes lifelong literacy, curiosity and wonder.”
Click here to download the activity calendar created by the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg.
