We have been asked for several years to change NWT Literacy Week from September as this is a very busy time in many NWT communities. Earlier this year, we decided to host NWT Literacy Week during the third week of April each year. NWT Literacy Week 2020 will take place April 19-25. This year’s theme is “Celebrating 30 Years of the NWT Literacy Council”.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing measures, we are all going to have to celebrate a little differently this year. We won’t be able to host Family Literacy Nights or have Elder story times. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t still celebrate and share literacy with each other. As people are doing everywhere, we are going virtual and hope to connect with everyone in new ways.
We have many different virtual activities planned for the week, and hope that community members join us in hosting their own virtual events. Here are some of our highlights:
- Facebook Live: NWTLC staff will host a Facebook Live event each day throughout the week. You can join us to learn a new craft, have a story time, practice a new skill or more. Watch the Events section of our Facebook page for each day’s event and topic. We would also love to have community members join us on the live videos. Please contact katie@nwtliteracy.ca if you would be interested in facilitating one.
- In-home activity challenge: We will share a list of things to look for and to create in your house and yard. Challenge your friends and family members to see who can get the most things, then share photos together. We will post this as a Facebook event as well.
- Read for 30: We are bringing back a classic event to celebrate our anniversary. Instead of reading for 15 minutes, we want you to join us in reading for 30 minutes on Wednesday, April 22. You can do any kind of reading: reading work emails online, a bedtime story with your kids, the news, a novel that you can’t put down, graphic novels and more. Once you have read for 30 minutes, email nwtliteracy@nwtliteracy.ca to let us know the number of people in your household who read. We’d also love to see you reading, so be sure to tag us on social media or share photos to our Facebook page.
- We will share the first Friend of Literacy on Friday, April 24. Each Friday between then and October, we will announce each of the Friends of Literacy who have been nominated.
- Join us for an online book club: You can share what you are reading and give a review. This will be set up as a week-long Facebook event, but you also can submit by email. If you would like to send in a review, please email katie@nwtliteracy.ca and we will share it with the group.
- Katie Johnson, Family and Community Literacy Coordinator
