CELEBRATE LITERACY WEEK, FLORIDA!
ELCNWF PARTNERS WITH LOCAL LIBRARIES TO STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF READING TO YOUNG CHILDREN
The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida is excited to partner with the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Division of Early Learning for the 16th Annual Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! The 2024 theme of Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! is Believe in Your “Shelf” – Building Resiliency Through Reading!
The week-long event is scheduled for Jan. 22-26 and is designed to raise awareness about the importance of literacy with the hope of inspiring Florida’s students and families to make reading part of their daily routines. With this theme in mind, the Coalition is encouraging families and providers to participate by reading books to deepen children’s knowledge and instill a love of reading.
“Parents and caregivers are a child’s first teacher,” said ELCNWF Executive Director Suzan Gage. “We hope families will join us in celebrating literacy by reading with their children.”
This year’s book is The Little Butterfly That Could (A companion to The Very Impatient Caterpillar) by Ross Burach. This sequel to The Very Impatient Caterpillar is a playful look at the migration of the butterfly. It is about every child’s struggle to gain confidence and independence. There are also relatable themes such as persistence and resiliency.
Along with resources and tips, the Coalition will share book readings from area libraries daily on its social media channels. Children and families can virtually enjoy readings daily at 10 a.m. from Port St. Joe, Vernon, Blountstown, Parker, Marianna, Apalachicola, and Bonifay libraries! We encourage families to take advantage of the numerous programs and resources available at their local libraries.
The Coalition will join in a statewide simultaneous reading of The Little Butterfly That Could on Wednesday, January 24, at 8 a.m. (CST). The reading will be streamed on Coalition social media channels and will be read by Help Me Grow staff at a Kaleidoscope Play and Learn group. Childcare providers are encouraged to participate and spread the love of literacy in their homes, centers, and schools by reading The Little Butterfly That Could!
About ELCNWF
The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida is the behind-the-scenes team overseeing the School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten Programs for Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties. In addition to these programs, the Coalition offers childcare resources and referrals, developmental screenings, and parent support. For more information, visit www.elcnwf.org.
Angela Small
Radio Production Assistant
