Put learning on your list of New Year’s resolutions

This year, make a resolution for lifelong learning with these literacy tips from ABC Life Literacy Canada:

• Take a course or upgrade your skills. People with higher literacy skills earn more income, are less likely to be unemployed and are more likely to find full-time work. To find help with reading, writing and math, visit www.LookUnderLearn.ca.
• Read aloud together, no matter how old you are.Reading ability is like a muscle -if you don’t exercise it often, you may not be able to maintain the same level of reading ability as you age. Encourage all family members to read and discuss items from newspapers and websites to keep up-to-date on what is happening around the world.
• Exercise your mind. Challenge yourself by doing the daily crossword or Sudoku puzzle.
• Write on. Keep a journal to express your thoughts and help polish your writing skills. Or, send a handwritten letter or thank you note to a friend, family member or co-worker.
• Be a mentor. Offer to proofread homework or verify math answers after your child has done the work. • Give the gift of words. Need inspiration for birthday, wedding or anniversary gifts this year? Why not give magazine subscriptions, books, or make a donation to a literacy organization in your community?
• Start a book club. Spend time with some of your favourite people talking about some of your favourite characters. Go online for tips on how to get started.
• Participate in Family Literacy Day®. On January 27, 2017, thousands of Canadians will take part in Family Literacy Day events in schools, libraries, literacy organizations and homes across the country. Find out how to join in at www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca.

For more fun literacy tips and activities to help you keep your skills sharp year-round, visit www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca.