Update on . . . our Resource Library

The library at Literacy BC offers a unique and diverse collection of over 3000 catalogued literacy-related resources. Most are print materials, but resources are available in other mediums such as video, CD-ROM, audio- cassette, kits, and games. We develop our collection in the following areas, among others:

If you would like a more comprehensive listing of what's new on our shelves, contact May Chan at Literacy BC: Phone: 1-800-663-1293 or E-mail: lbc1@TheHub.capcollege.bc.ca

My Extraordinary Family
A cooperatively written book from Open Doors to Family Literacy, a project of the YWCA of Prince Albert and the Prince Albert Literacy Network. (1998).

An illustrated children's book about a family and how they spend quality, "extraordinary" time together in the ordinariness of life.

Learning Games for Infants and Toddlers: a Playtime Handbook
Dr. J. Ronald Lally and Dr. Ira J. Gordon. Syracuse University, New York. New Readers Press. (1977)

A series of interactive, educational games for children from the ages of two months to two years.

Teacher Inquiry: Fraser-Cascade Teacher Research.
Research and Professional Development Division, B.C. Teachers' Federation. March 1999.

The results of year-long critical research work by eight experienced elementary teachers in the Fraser-Cascade School District of B.C. who share what they've learned in their career about teaching and learning. Their work was compiled here "to celebrate their dedication to teaching and learning, and stimulate new and future research by other classroom teachers." The teachers examine areas such as, "Writing strategies for elementary students who work slowly," and, "How can teachers help parents support their children's reading."

Growing into Literacy: PRINTS Program (Parents' Roles Interacting with Teacher Support)
William T. Fagan and Mary C. Cronin, Memorial University School of Continuing Education; and Education, Learning, Literacy Network, St. John's, Newfoundland.

PRINTS is a family/early literacy program designed to engage parents or caregivers in their young children's literacy development. The program can be used with preschool children of all ages, from birth to 5, and is suitable for parents with low-literacy skills. The PRINTS video and the accompanying Train the Facilitator Manual are intended for facilitators to help them implement the program with parents and teachers. There is also a Parent Video and Handbook.

Canada's Charter Schools Initial Report: first year report of a two-year in-depth study of charter schools in Alberta
Dr. Beverly Lynn Bosetti, Society for the Advancement of Excellence in Education. (1998).

This study examines the context, characteristics, challenges and effectiveness of Alberta's charter schools. How are they different from other public schools? Do they have a positive impact on student learning? What are their implications for the system at large? Here are some early lessons from the Alberta experience, as policymakers and the public seek to understand charter schools in a Canadian context.

Family Literacy for Credit: Facilitator Manual
Prince Albert Literacy Network (1999).

A resource designed to provide practice in communications, parenting, reading and interpersonal skills. The book includes activities and discussions designed to provide guided, repetitive family literacy practice. Participants will learn by doing - the essential component of each family literacy session is active participation.

Reading is More than Phonics: A Parents' Guide for Reading with Beginning or Discouraged Readers, and Coaching Young Readers (VIDEO)
Vera Goodman, Reading Wings, Calgary (1999).

A simple, common-sense guide to the reading process with practical strategies to enable those who are helping others learn to read more effectively. The guide covers topics such as how children learn, phonics and experience, reading with understanding, spelling and sight words, and choosing the right book. The 24-minute video teaches simple, enjoyable ways to create a fail-proof reading environment, eliminate tension and anxiety, build and restore confidence, choose materials of interest, and develop speed and fluency.

Ready ... Set, Read! A Guide to Running Family Literacy Nights: Spruceland Elementary School's Family Literacy Program
Prepared by Patricia Hanki, College of New Caledonia. A BC literacy cost-shared project (1999).

The report presents an overview of the Prince George school's Ready…Set, Read! family literacy program, including its history and goals, structure, suggested activities, and community support. Find out what is involved in planning a family literacy night. Informative appendices cover announcements, job descriptions, agendas, sample evaluation forms and materials.

Canada's Changing Families: Challenges to Public Policy
The Vanier Institute of the Family (1994).

This collection of essays is intended to stimulate discussion of social and policy initiatives relating to families. The central question of the book is how can these programs and policies be made more sensitive to and supportive of family life. The book was published during the International year of the Family (1994) with contributions from researchers, scholars and public policy experts.