Interior Savings Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week will take place January 21–28, 2023, in support of Family Literacy Day® on January 27. The goals are to encourage families to:
- find a healthy balance between sedentary screen time and active family time
- connect more with each other
- spend at least 15 minutes a day doing an activity together that builds literacy skills
The week is a great opportunity to take a break from electronic devices and reap the health benefits, which is the inspiration for Interior Savings Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week.
“The pandemic has forced many of us to spend more time than we’d like in front of our screens, making the need to unplug even more important to maintain our mental and physical well-being, and social connections,” said Brian Harris, CEO of Interior Savings. “Interior Savings Unplug and Play and Family Literacy Week is designed to encourage families to take a break from their devices and find more balance in their lives by reading, playing, and being creative together.”
Since the program’s inception 12 years ago, more than 6,000 students participate annually in the Interior Savings Unplug and Play Student Challenge. On reflection, students commented that they enjoyed spending more time with their family and friends and playing outside.
Each day has a theme: Unplug and…Play, Explore, Create, Move, Learn, Build, Read, and Reflect and Celebrate. There are week-long activities that can be done in your own time at your own pace, such as the Downtown Storywalk with Big Little Science Centre. Other events include Snowshoe at Stake Lake; Learn, Sing and Play the Metis Way; and Family Art Saturday. The City of Kamloops will also host a free swim at Westsyde Pool and Fitness Centre on Monday, January 23.
“Family Literacy is about family members learning together doing everyday activities. By reading to your children and doing things together, like cooking, playing a board game, and making a shopping list, adults keep their own skills sharp and help improve their children’s literacy skills. Doing things together also strengthens family relationships and encourages lifelong learning,” said Fiona Clare, Chair of the Unplug and Play Committee and Literacy in Kamloops Outreach Coordinator.
Community partner organizations are offering free pickup and take-home kits as well as in-person and virtual activities. As the title sponsor, Interior Savings is encouraging everyone to check out the full slate of activities planned for the week. For a full schedule of events and for more information on registration, visit LiteracyinKamloops.ca or the Kamloops Unplug and Play Facebook page or pick up a schedule of events at any Interior Savings branch in Kamloops.
About: Literacy in Kamloops works with a group of community partners to meet the literacy needs of everyone. We run free literacy programs and events for children of all ages, adults, and seniors. We provide free books to families and reading support to increase literacy levels and improve life chances.
