An Essential Guide for Filipino Parents on World Literacy Day

Celebrate International Literacy Day!

World Literacy Day, also known as International Literacy Day, is a day celebrated globally on the 8th of September each year. This year’s theme is “Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies.”

Every year since 1967, World Literacy Day has been commemorated to raise awareness of the importance of literacy as a matter of pride and civil rights, as well as to support the literacy agenda for a more literate and progressive society. The purpose of the global celebration was not simply to eliminate illiteracy, but to promote literacy as a force that could empower individuals and entire communities, especially those in developing or middle-income countries. Part of its main literacy agenda is raising awareness on lifelong learning via literacy programs in local communities.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) initiated this day to highlight the significance of literacy in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of promoting lifelong learning for all. Despite steady improvement, literacy challenges continue, with at least 700 million young people and adults lacking basic literacy skills and abilities by 2020. The current COVID-19 issue, as well as other crises such as climate change and wars, have exacerbated the problems.

The importance of literacy for children

Education is the foundation for a child’s life journey and future success. Literacy skills encompass reading, writing, listening, and speaking, which are essential to communicate effectively and for better understanding.

By developing strong literacy skills, children can excel academically, expand their knowledge, and participate actively in society, thereby increasing the literacy rates of their countries. According to UNESCO, literacy plays a vital role in eradicating poverty and promoting gender equality and sustainable development.

As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that our children acquire strong literacy skills from an early age. By doing so, we equip them with the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond. Reading is a fundamental aspect of literacy development, and encouraging children to read from a young age has numerous benefits. It enhances vocabulary, improves comprehension, stimulates imagination, and fosters a love for learning. By promoting literacy and opening them to an immersive experience, we empower our children to become confident, well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.

Tips and tricks to promote literacy at home

Creating a cozy reading nook for your child

A cozy reading nook can significantly enhance your child’s reading experience and create a space where they can immerse themselves in books. Designing a cozy reading nook doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some simple steps to help you create an inviting reading corner for your child:

1. Choose a suitable location: A quiet and well-lit area in your home where your child can concentrate without distractions is an integral part of the endeavor. It could be a corner of their bedroom, a cozy spot in the living room, or even a dedicated reading nook in a common area.

2. Comfortable seating: Provide a comfortable seating arrangement, such as a bean bag chair, a soft cushion, or a cozy blanket spread on the floor. Ensure that the seating is ergonomic and supports good posture to avoid any discomfort during extended reading sessions.

3. Organize books: Fisrt off, ensure that you are well-stocked with reading resources to make the reading nook enticing. Arrange books in an accessible and visually appealing manner. Use bookshelves, baskets, or wall-mounted book racks to display books at your child’s eye level. Categorize books based on a genre or reading level to make it easier for your child to select their next reading adventure.

4. Add cozy elements: Enhance the ambiance of the reading nook by adding cozy elements like fairy lights, plush pillows, and a soft rug. These small touches can make the reading space warm and inviting, encouraging your child to spend more time immersed in books.

Remember, the goal is to create a reading nook that appeals to your child’s senses and sparks their curiosity. By providing a dedicated space for reading, you send a message that reading is valued and cherished in your home.

Ask your kids to improve their social engagement and develop their young minds by joining book clubs in school or visiting the local library.

Engaging Activities to Enhance Literacy Skills

Engaging activities can significantly contribute to the development of basic literacy skills in young learners. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Read-Aloud Sessions: Set aside a dedicated time each day to read aloud to your child. Choose age-appropriate books that capture their interest and imagination. Encourage them to ask questions, discuss the story, and predict what might happen next. This activity not only enhances their reading skills but also improves their listening and comprehension abilities.

2. Word Games and Puzzles: Introduce word games and puzzles that are not only fun but also educational. Crossword puzzles, word searches, and Scrabble are excellent options to boost vocabulary, spelling, and critical thinking skills. Make it a family affair by involving siblings or other family members to create a competitive yet supportive learning environment.

3. Journaling: Encourage your child to keep a journal or a diary where they can express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This activity helps improve their writing skills, creativity, and self-expression. Provide them with writing prompts or topics to write about and show genuine interest in their entries by discussing and reflecting upon them together.

Embracing Technology: Fun and Educational Apps for Young Learners

In today’s modern world, technology plays a significant role in our lives, and it can also be a valuable tool to enhance literacy skills in young learners. There are numerous fun and educational apps available that cater to different age groups and learning objectives. Here are a few noteworthy apps you can consider:

1. ABCmouse: ABCmouse is a comprehensive learning program for children aged 2-8. It offers various interactive activities, including reading, math, science, and art. The app provides a gamified learning experience and adapts to each child’s progress, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced learners.

2. Reading Eggs: Reading Eggs is an award-winning app designed to help children aged 2-13 develop reading skills through engaging activities, games, and stories. It focuses on phonics, sight words, and comprehension, giving children a solid foundation for reading success. The app provides a systematic and structured approach to learning, ensuring gradual progress.

3. Duolingo: Duolingo is an excellent app for older children and teenagers who want to improve their language skills. It offers courses in various languages, including English, and uses gamification to make the learning process enjoyable. Duolingo covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking, providing a well-rounded language learning experience.

Let’s empower our children with the gift of literacy!

As parents, we have the power to shape our children’s futures by promoting literacy at home. Ingrain in them the transformative power of education. By celebrating International Literacy Day and embracing the importance of literacy skills and education, we can equip our children with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Reading aloud, creating a cozy reading nook, and fostering a love for books are just a few ways we can empower our children with the gift of literacy. Celebrate World Literacy Day by taking the first step today! Together, let’s empower our children with the lifelong gift of literacy.