View From the Legislature

February is I Love to Read Month in Manitoba where we focus on encouraging and promoting reading within our schools. Throughout the month, classrooms will play host to guest readers who visit elementary schools to celebrate knowledge and an awareness of lifelong literacy and learning.

The Manitoba Reading Association has proclaimed this year’s I Love to Read Month theme as “Literacy for Joy and Justice.” Across the province themes of justice, diversity, perspectives on social justice and protection of the environment will be promoted and students are encouraged to read, research, discuss, write about, and debate varying perspectives and strengthen their voice. Students will have the opportunity to build analytical thinking with regards to social and criminal justice, building friendships, exploring diversity from different perspectives and examining the qualities of heroes.

Reading is the most basic way in which we acquire information, and can greatly inspire us creatively through imagination and critical thinking. It is one of the fundamental building blocks to learning. The ability to read at a high level helps set the stage for academic success in other areas and is important to success outside of school and in the workforce.

There is something incredible about reading a story to a young person, it plays a critical part in kindling and nurturing their imagination, but is also one of the most long lasting connections a family member can give to a young person. As an MLA and Minister, reading large amounts of information is a reality of my work life, but personally I have always had a deep love for reading and make time to read books that are of personal interest.

In having the opportunity to promote ‘I Love to Read Month’ I often reflect on how my reading habits changed when I became an adult, and changed again when I became a parent. The opportunities that I have to read to my son are very special to me. As a parent, it gives me a chance to see his love of reading and the learning that comes along with it. Family has always been an important part of encouraging reading and I know many parents that instill the old adage in their children that “It is never too early to start reading.” An early love for reading is likely to continue into adult life and builds strong communication skills. Strong reading skills are linked to strong writing skills and to strong verbal communication skills. Developing a strong reading ability opens up a world of opportunity for young people and will benefit them regardless of what path they choose in life.