Family Literacy Activities Celebrate Adult Learners and Their Children

In August and September, the SFEC partnered with Cornerstones Learning Center and the Right Turn to host family literacy activities in five communities (Fort Pierre, Yankton, Mitchell, Huron, and Aberdeen). 

In Huron, over 100 people attended an event with activities that demonstrated how to read to children, a book walk, a fall craft that went with the stories, a book give away, and a pizza dinner.

Mitchell celebrated Adult Education and Family Literacy Week with a family literacy activity at the Mitchell Public Library. Nine families enjoyed the story “A Chair for My Mother” read in both English and Spanish. The book teaches financial literacy to children. The children (and some adults) used stickers to decorate bookmarks to take home. Families also received a copy of the book to take home and a reading guide for parents.

The Aberdeen Family Engagement Event was held in partnership with the local Head Start program and reached more than 30 kids. Families enjoyed a “Book Swap Carnival” with games, face painting and a gently-used book drive. Almost 100 books were donated!

 In Yankton, families enjoyed bilingual story time at the Yankton Community Library and the Pathways Shelter for the Homeless. Each child who attended a story time received a bilingual (English/Spanish) book. “Mouse Paint” was a board book for younger children. Older children got to pick from a series of fairy tale books. Approximately 60 children received books. Here's an article promoting the events.

On Aug 17, 2019, the Right Turn hosted a Children's Concert and Family Literacy Activities at Lilly Park in Fort Pierre. SFEC funds were used to purchase supplies for the book walk and assist with the musician’s fee. 65 people attended and partners included the SD Arts Council and the SD Cultural Heritage Center.

SFEC is excited to partner with adult education programs in the state to support adult literacy, engage families, and celebrate success. We have plans to host more than twice as many activities (in up to 24 communities) and have been contacted by community organizations who are eager to partner. You’ll be hearing more about family engagement activities focused on celebrating adult learners!