Storybook character Arthur helps celebrate family literacy

As part of the first Family Literacy Recognition Day sponsored by the Literacy Coalition in May, more than 200 participants in family literacy programs in Broward County schools attended a performance of Arthur: A Live Adventure at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

    Following the show, these children and their parents participated in a "meet and greet" with Arthur followed by a luncheon. All the children received goody bags complete with an Arthur book, stickers, bookmarks and coloring books provided by community partners in this event. Family Literacy Recognition Day celebrated the achievements in learning of all the families in literacy programs through the School Board and the Broward County Public Library.

    "The Literacy Coalition of Broward County focuses on increasing adult and family literacy through recruitment of students and volunteers, awareness and advocacy, and collaboration between literacy providers, business, government and social service agencies and volunteers," said Nancy Paull, executive director of the Literacy Coalition of Broward County. "We know that 22 percent of adults in Broward read at the lowest levels of literacy. Many of these adults are parents."

    Family Literacy Recognition Day was kicked-off with the announcement that Toyota Families in Schools literacy program will be implemented in three Broward schools. This new family initiative sponsored by the National Center for Family Literacy in partnership with Toyota Motor Corp. is available at North Side, Riverland and Dania elementary schools.

    "To approach literacy through the family is the most effective way to increase education levels of adults and children," said Sharon Darling, founder and president of the National Center for Family Literacy. "Increased education levels lead to a better future for families and the Toyota Families in Schools programs provide a link in building stronger communities where schools encourage parents to become active participants in their children's learning."

    Among the partners for Family Literacy Recognition Day were Borders, Bookworm Kids, Broward County Public Schools, Little Brown Publishing, National Center for Family Literacy, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, United Way of Broward, Success by 6 Family Literacy Committee, Toys 'R Us, and Toyota Motor North America, Inc.

    "Partnering with an event like Family Literacy Recognition Day is important to the mission of the Broward Center," said Mark Nerenhausen, president and CEO of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. "As our community evolves, literacy is becoming an increasingly important issue. So it is important that we all support initiatives that make Broward County a better place to live and work."

    The Literacy Coalition of Broward County promotes literacy in Broward County, including recruiting students and volunteers, community outreach and collaboration, and plans special events to raise awareness of literacy issues. The mission of the Literacy Coalition is to "advance literacy in Broward County."
The Literacy Coalition of Broward County works with Volunteer Broward to help place literacy tutors, and First Call for Help which refers those who need reading assistance to area literacy programs. For more information about tutoring, call Volunteer Broward at 954/522-6761, or for reading assistance programs, call First Call for Help at 467-6333.

Attending the family literacy recognition event are, from left to right, Sharon Darling, president of the National Center for Family Literacy,  Nancy Paull, executive director of the Broward Literacy Coalition ,and Veronica Pollard, vice president, external affairs, Toyota Motor North American, Inc.