Family Literacy

"Experts in literacy and child development have discovered that if children know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the time they’re four years old, they’re usually among the best readers by the time they’re eight." Mem Fox

Building Blocks

 Building Blocks provides one on one programming for families needing support in English Language learners, literacy barriers, child development as well as foundation life skills. Weekly sessions are tailored to individual needs of the parent, child and family. Please email family@vcals.org for more information.

​CALS believes that parents are their children's first and most important teacher, and that early literacy & learning opportunities occur naturally in everyday life.

​​The Family Literacy program provides services that support families with children ages 0-6.  The program’s focus is to strengthen and build literacy skills in both adult and child and foster the importance of parents in their children’s learning and to help create new opportunities for learning.

Our programs

PLaydates

Playdates incorporates many opportunities to explore literacy through play. Caregivers will engage their child(ren) in various activities. Early language development is supported through songs, stories and games.

Beyond Play

Beyond Play links seniors and families to play together. Early language development is supported through songs and stories. Families and residents benefit by positive interactions through games, songs and crafts.

1,2,3 Cook with Me

1,2,3 Cook with Me shows that numeracy is fun! This program incorporates activities, crafts and songs with a cooking portion. Families will build & support numeracy skills by creating new delicious recipes each week!

Ready, Set, Rhyme

Families engage together in interactive songs and rhymes! Ready, Set, Rhyme is all about developing language skills! This is demonstrated through songs and rhymes and reinforced through a structured group activity. Families participate in language activities that help develop oral language skills. Animated literacy activities will also strengthen phonemic awareness.

Movers and Shakers

This program focuses on literacy through active movement. Fun, upbeat movement songs are repeated at each session, along with new stories and games! Activities vary from gross motor circuits to coordination activities and encourages children to put meaning to new words through actions. This program has been developed under the guidance of a qualified Occupational Therapist. Movers and Shakers now has a gross motor art section! Families further explore motor movements with art! 
 

Mess Makers

 We all learn best when our brains are activated through our senses! Mess Makers provides learning through good old fashion mess making! Explore math concepts through slimey recipes and learn how sensory play stimulates development!

Pool Time Rhyme

Pool Time Rhyme incorporates early literacy activities, fine motor development, games and songs. Families also participate in fun and games in the pool!

Books for Babies

Foster a love for books early! Why is early reading and  literacy important?  Families are introduced to songs, rhymes and stories to share with their infants and can be adapted for older children.  Information on early literacy in infants as well as choosing/sharing books with your children are introduced in a relaxing, welcoming environment. Each week, families receive a brand new age appropriate
children’s book. Families also receive a bag that includes community resources and services families may access as well as a free session book.
 
 

Mad Scientist

This program focuses on literacy and numeracy through science. In this program we explore science reactions, nature as well as our senses. Each week focuses on different themes.
 

Some of our Favorite stories to share together

Skill Builders

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Bear Bags
Literacy is all around us! Families receive home bags and activities to do with their teddy. At the end of the program, families will receive a Bear Bag journal!

Table Talk
This evening program is for adults only! Create freezer meals with others and partake in discussions & sessions about budgeting, financial literacy, child development and more! Childcare is provided.

English Language Learning Programs

Books for Babies

Reading and sharing books is important in any language! 
Participants receive a free book at each session!

Ready, Set, Rhyme

This program encourages and shows the rhythm of the English language, introduces vocabulary and phonetics.

Building Blocks

In-home program to help encourage families goals!

If you are from another community organization or would like to self refer, please see complete this referral form and email it to family@vcals.org or fax it to 780-632-3252.

For more in formation or to register by calling the
​CALS office 780-632-3225 or email family@vcals.org

Meet the Staff

Erika Trufyn

Sarah DeCoste

"Children who are read to 30 minutes every day from birth enter kindergarten with 900 hours of reading experience"- The DAILY CAFE, 2013

The Family Literacy program is funded by Alberta Advanced Education & charitable donations.