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Is it time to go back to school?

Adults can be role models for children doing homework

By Lory Rochon

Now that the children have gone back to school, isn’t it a great time to think about your next learning goal?

Adults who participate in learning activities also set a great example for their children. When childreen see mom or dad sitting down to learn, it lets them know learning is important to the family and learning is something worth the time and energy you spend.

Today (Sept. 8), is International Literacy Day.

It is the day to remember the importance of learning and literacy. Having strong literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills is shown to be positively connected to being part of the labour market and with earning higher wages.

As with anything, practising your literacy skills is the best way to make them even better.

Learning doesn’t stop just because we finish our formal education. We continue to learn throughout our lives; our skills and literacy levels help define what the future may hold for us.

Adults should also continue learning and set good examples for the children. They can join a club, volunteer, take an online course, read a book or write a story.

Show your children you care by staying connected to their education and set an example for them.

When children are doing math homework, you could balance your chequebook.

When they are studying for a test, you could be reading a book.

When your children are writing notes, you could be making the shopping list.

The list is endless!

By showing your children that adults also have to do some form of “homework,” you are being a great role model by showing them you also practise your literacy skills and engage in lifelong learning.

Lory Rochon is the literacy outreach and PAL co-ordinator for the Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy. She can be reached at 250-395-0655 or lory@caribooliteracy.com.