Skip to content

Annual event uses local authors, performers to highlight importance of literacy

THUNDER BAY -- Paul Bachmeier knows things have changed in classrooms now from when he was a student.
367205_60297441
Paul Bachmeier readsh is story, Barley the Elephant, to a group of children during a Family Literacy Day celebration held at the Intercity Shopping Centre on Saturday. (Matt Vis, tbnewswatch.com)

THUNDER BAY -- Paul Bachmeier knows things have changed in classrooms now from when he was a student.

But the teacher and father of two young daughters, who is also the author of a children’s storybook, believes literacy is just as valuable now as ever.

“I find there has been a decline in literacy and literacy is a tremendously important skill. It’s not just about learning how to read but learning how to express yourself with words is crucially important,” he said.

Bachmeier performed a reading of his book, Barley the Elephant, at the Thunder Bay Literacy Network’s event recognizing Family Literacy Day at the Intercity Shopping Centre on Saturday. The book teaches the lesson that differences should be encouraged.

He was one of four acts that engaged the audience and promoted literacy.

In addition to the interactions, organizers also hosted a free book drive in the promotion’s court. That allowed people to browse and pick up a new selection, with books donated by the Thunder Bay Public Library.

Alexandria Malachowski, an early childhood development worker with the Communities Together for Children/BestStart, said 30 per cent of area children are at risk or vulnerable to a lack of literacy or language opportunities.

“We want to show families that literacy is a family celebration,” she said.

“It’s also about bringing our community together and sharing some community resources that we have.”

The literacy network combines organizations such as Communities Together for Children, the Thunder Bay Children’s Centre and Frontier College to increase the access to literacy opportunities and resources.

They also host an annual writing contest that is open to anyone under 20, encouraging submissions in a variety of formats and three languages.

Bachmeier, who accompanies the reading with a guitar driven sing-along, often sees children get in the spirit of storytelling after reading his book.

“I’ll ask the kids afterwards if they want to write their own books or make music,” he said. “I get to hit two different sides of the creative aspect with them and often times I’ll see them working on their own little stories.”





push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks