January 2016   |   Volume 13   |   Issue 5
News From Literacy Nova Scotia
Executive Director's Message
Let literacy change your life! Learning something new is a great New Year’s resolution.

Literacy Nova Scotia gave the gift of books through the Christmas Daddies program. The Salvation Army helped to distribute these brand new books from First Books Canada. Many young people in HRM received a brand new book of their own to enjoy for Christmas.

We are continuing with the gift of reading for families across Nova Scotia. On Saturday, January 9th we are meeting at the home of LIFE on LIFE Initiative co-founder Claude Hamilton in Fall River to pack up brand new Disney books from First Books Canada. The Life on Life Network will be on hand to help pack and to distribute books to the 20 community learning organizations across the province who requested books. There will be some elected officials on hand to ensure families in their constituency will receive books as well. Books will be in communities in time for Family Literacy Day celebrations on January 27th.

We love to hear the learners’ stories – whether it be about their challenges so we can identify how we can better support them on their learning journey or whether it be about their successes and overcoming their challenges. These success stories inspire others to return to learning. Learners are asked to send us their Literacy Changes Lives stories to be published in the Adult Learners’ Week ebooklet and to be entered in the ipad draw.

Thank you to the Michelin team in Granton for their donation. LNS was one of 16 organizations to receive money raised by their staff.

If you would like to support the work of Literacy Nova Scotia, you can get involved in upcoming fundraisers: Bluenose Marathon, Fashion Show for Literacy, Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournament or by donating. We appreciate all our many supporters, funders, partners, and colleagues. Happy New Year to you all!

We are pleased to feature the Yarmouth County Learning Network and the Halifax Community Learning Network in this issue of the eNews.

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What's New
Opportunities for Learners
The Learning Beacon, our interactive enewspaper for adult learners is now available in a tablet friendly version that works on Apple devices! Our latest Issue #13 contains the features 'On-Call Work' and 'Using Music to Improve Reading and Writing'. We continue our Community Map feature with 7 new stories written by adult learners from across Nova Scotia, and we showcase our 2015 Adult Learners' Week contest winners.

Enter your learning story for a chance to win an iPad Mini. Literacy Nova Scotia promotes the importance of improving literacy. Your stories inspire others to return to learning. All stories with the theme Literacy Changes Lives will be published.

Opportunities for Practitioners
REGISTER NOW: Practitioner Training (PT) Modules starting January 31:
Techniques for Teaching Reading, Writing, and Spelling: Jan 31 – Feb 26
Teaching Math - Keeping It Real: Jan 31 – Feb 26
It’s a great time for new practitioners to get started as we are currently offering the introductory module, Adult Learners’ and You. We’ll accept registrations until January 10th.
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for more details on the program, modules, and tuition schedule. The program is tuition free for members of Literacy Nova Scotia who are with a NSSAL funded program. Anyone can take the training. If you are interested in becoming a practitioner, register today.

Is there a PD opportunity that would benefit your learning organization?
Apply to the PD Fund. You can read about what others have learned through training funded by the PD Fund. All practitioners (tutors, instructors), coordinators, and board members are eligible for funding up to $1000 per year for professional development relevant to their role at their community-based learning network.

Save the Date! PD Conference in Truro on March 31 - April 1, 2016.
More information available in mid January.

Opportunities for Organizations
Community-based learning organizations can apply every year for free computer systems and laptops. Organizations should be replacing older systems each year. Apply today! These come with Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010 installed. Other computer accessories are also available through our partnership with Computers for Schools.

Community-based learning organizations funded under NSSAL can apply for ipad minis and other assistive technology.

Free Family Literacy Day 2016 learning and promotional materials are available for download from the ABC Canada Life Literacy website.


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In The News
Library Pairing With Riverview Home for iPad Project
The Riverview iPad Project is a pilot program and was sparked by an idea and a passion for improving the lives of others. Armed with a wealth of research, the Riverview Volunteer Association (RVA) knew the positive impact technology makes for those living with intellectual disabilities. Read more

Award-Winning Canadian Picture Book a Gift for Every Syrian Refugee Family
IBBY Canada plans to provide Syrian refugee families with a copy of Sidewalk Flowers, a wordless picture book with no language barriers to understanding, a visual story that can be enjoyed by children and parents. Read more

10 Books About Residential Schools to Read With Your Children
Educators across the country are developing resource guides in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations. The following ten books reflect on the residential school experience in different ways.
Read more

Traditional Toys May Beat Electronic Gadgets in Language Development
Verbal interaction with parents is crucial to a child's cognitive development. Research suggests that electronic toys and e-books can make parents less likely to have the most meaningful kinds of verbal exchanges with their children. Read more
Plain Language Version


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Events
Job Junction January Calendar of Events
6950 Mumford Road, Halifax Shopping Centre Annex
Job Junction offers a wide variety of free workshops to provide skills and information needed to effectively navigate today’s job market. Events

Crafting a Communications Strategy
Friday, February 12 from 9:30 - 4:30pm at 3115 Veith Street, Halifax
Participants will learn how to create a communications plan, plus practical ideas and tools for managing an organization’s communications outreach, including social media tools. Register

In Good Company: A Community Building Forum for Businesses and Non-Profits
June 8 - 9 at the Eaton Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto
Join Volunteer Canada at the 2nd Annual Community Building Forum for Businesses and Non-Profits. This year’s theme is Building Strong and Connected Communities. More Information


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Resources
How You Can Speak Text in a Google Document Using Voice Typing
There are several speech to text extensions that allow you to type with your voice in a Google document, but Voice Typing includes the ability to correct mistakes without having to turn off the microphone. You simply click on the mistake and fix it. Resource

50 Job Search Secrets
Whether you’re updating your resume, prepping for an interview, or getting started networking, check out these tips. Resource

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