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Originally posted Jan 23rd on https://bigplansforlittlekids.wordpress.com As the Executive Director of Calgary Reads (an early literacy initiative), a parent and former teacher, I’m often asked by families how they can help their young [...]

If your family is like many, then making time to read more is probably one of your New Year’s resolutions. That’s a good thing because in November 2017 the Canadian Pediatric Society updated its position statement on screen time for young [...]

There is nothing better than a read aloud to build the love of reading. Our gift to you this holiday season is Steacy's Annual read aloud. Sit back and [...]

Join us Friday, Dec 29th for the Calgary Roughnecks game. When you purchase tickets through this special online ticket offer $5 will go back to Calgary Reads in support of children’s literacy. Gather your friends and family for a fun night out in [...]

Canada is one of 10 countries to see a drop in reading scores in the latest round of international testing. This stat is all the more disheartening for two reasons: The overall trend internationally is one of improving literacy as 31 other [...]

The first six months of the Children's Reading Place have been exciting. emotional, enlightening and engaging. Rather than trying to express the words and sentiment of the more than 1000 visitors I am sharing some of their words that they left as a [...]

New research conducted by the University of Alberta builds on the existing body of knowledge telling us that children who struggle to read in grade 1 can catch up with their peers by grade 3 or sooner if they have the right supports in school. A [...]

National Child Day is November 20 and the theme this year is The Right To Be Safe.  Children have the right to be safe and to feel safe. Feeling safe isn't a feeling we often discuss, with each other or with the children in our lives, If someone [...]

As September turns into October and the aroma of fall fills the air, I am reminded of the blessings I have and the gifts that I have been given. My summer was rich with interactions with children and parents who visited the Children’s Reading [...]

Summer 2017 was amazing in so many ways. For those of us, that love warm weather, we had a streak of near 30 degrees for almost three weeks (almost unheard of in Calgary). Our nights cooled down and that made sleeping easier. I woke up refreshed and [...]

"What are you hoping to achieve here?" was the question a father asked me on Saturday. They were visiting the Reading Place and his two children had found a quiet spot to settle in, among the business, and were paging through some books. I smiled  [...]