A 1% increase in literacy could generate millions in economic growth

EDMONTON, Alberta - Dec. 21, 2013 - PRLog -- Recent literacy studies by Statistics Canada indicate that millions of Canadians are lacking the literacy skills needed to respond to and cope with the increasing demands and changes in society and the economy, and that this can have a significant impact on the future well-being of individuals, families, workplaces and communities.

December is Read A New Book Month!  Best Selling Award Winning author, Charmaine Hammond stated “Story time is a wonderful time to have 1:1 time with your children, encourage the love of reading, and, enhance literacy skills, encourage the use of imagination, and improve their communication skills.  Who thought a bed time story could do so much.”  The benefits extend well beyond a child’s development, the Canadian Centre for Literacy and Learning Network states that having a 1% increase in the literacy rate could generate economic growth to the tune of $18 billion every year.

There are many reasons to read a new book and to share story time with your children:

·         - Books help children develop essential language and comprehension skills.

·        -  Reading enhances their ability to express themselves verbally.

·         - Books teach your child about relationships, situations, personalities, and character development.

·         - Stories create opportunities for learning and conversation.

·         - Fantasy books provide content to encourage imagination and make believe and fairy tales help your children learn how to discern what is real, and what is not.

Now what about for mom and dad, what are the benefits of grabbing a new book?  Books are a great way to reduce stress and take your mind off work, stay in touch with what’s going on in the world, sharpen your memory, and stimulate the right side of your brain.  It’s like a workout at the gym, except it’s for your brain!

Here’s a few ways to participate in Read a New Book Month and support your local authors:

·         - Give the gift of reading this holiday season (at home and at work)

·       -   Pull out your favorite childhood books and share the stories with your children

·         - Visit your local library and bookstore as a family. Talk about what your reading during drive time and dinner time.

·         - Join a book club or start one in your workplace.

·         - Pay it forward…donate books you have read to organizations in need

·         Volunteer as a reader at the local hospital, school, senior’s centre or literacy organization.

Charmaine Hammond is an award winning bestselling author of five books including On Toby’s Terms, Toby the Pet Therapy Dog Says Be a Buddy Not a Bully, Toby the Pet Therapy Dog and His Hospital Friends, and is co- author of GPS Your Best Life. Team Toby’s mission is to PAWSitively improve lives by teaching kindness, acceptance and respect.

Contact:  Team Toby Charmaine Hammond 1-877-317-9797 or visit www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com