Carbondale Reporter

In 1994, Congress declared November 1st as Family Literacy Day through Joint Resolution 413. This annual observance highlights the importance of family literacy and its role in enhancing children's communication skills. The day serves as a reminder that learning valuable skills extends beyond school and occurs at home as well. Parents are encouraged to engage in activities such as reading, writing, drawing, singing, and talking with their children to improve literacy skills and strengthen family bonds.

The Illinois House Republicans have initiated the Literacy Improves Future Endeavors (LIFE) working group aimed at improving literacy among the next generation. The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in significant learning loss in key literacy areas for many students. The House Republicans' mission is to restore and enhance literacy across Illinois, equipping students with necessary life skills. Their statewide plan focuses on retaining teachers, improving student outcomes, and encouraging parental engagement with educators to enhance children's overall learning experiences.

State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton), head of the LIFE working group, emphasized the significance of Family Literacy Day for parents to connect with their children through reading. Severin shared his personal experience: “I miss the days of reading books to my son and my grandsons. We had such a great time with it, and it was a great way to connect with them and reinforce reading as an important way to learn for a lifetime.” He noted concerns about students falling behind in literacy due to factors like opting for video games over reading at home.

To address this issue, Severin has hosted summer reading programs offering incentives like pool parties for families who participate. On Family Literacy Day, he encourages constituents: “Grab a great book, sit down with your kid or your grandkid, and make a strong connection by reading to them or having them read to you.”

Family Literacy Day celebrates families' crucial role in advancing their children's education through foundational literacy skills. Families are urged to lead by example at home and engage actively with their children’s learning journey.