Just Killing Time?

Have you noticed how easily conversation starters can roll off the tongue? “What’s new?” “Hey, how are you doing? “What are you up to?” These broad questions invite others to talk about anything and everything. Yet the answers are often pat. “Nothing much.” “Okay.” “Just killing time.” This last response sets off unspoken chatter in my head. I know that “killing time” refers to our sense of productivity, but my internal voice is silently countering with, “Time is the most precious thing we have! Why would you want to kill it?”

Over the years I’ve come to realize that I value times of inactivity as much as busyness. In our fast-paced world, embracing the moment, rather than planning for the future or reminiscing about the past, takes intention and I’m not always very good at it. Babies, toddlers and young children, though, typically are amazingly adept at seizing the moment. Children’s sense of wonder and enthusiasm for the everyday yet extraordinary experiences inspire me.

Perhaps this is why, in part, I am drawn to ABC Life Literacy Canada’s message for Family Literacy Day, encouraging families to share 15 minutes of fun together. ABC Life Literacy Canada emphasizes that learning happens when adults seize moments in ordinary daily routines to really listen, talk and think together as a family. Children and adults learn all kinds of literacy skills through telling jokes and stories, reading or concocting new recipes, following instructions found on the internet or in magazines to make cool things together like drums or kites, or deciding together how recyclables could be used to create a toy or tool. These simple interactive and intergenerational activities teach children new vocabulary, comprehension and narrative skills, prediction, writing and math skills, and so much more. They teach literacy in ways that are both meaningful to children and memorable to adults.

ABC Life Literacy Canada is not the only organization recognizing Family Literacy Day on January 27 with 15 minutes of fun. On January 27, the Early Years Centre in Sharbot Lake will be hosting “A World of Nursery Rhymes” at both The Child Centre and Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church between 9:20 and 11:30 a.m. Parents are asked to bring their favourite rhyme to share with friends, and to enjoy crafts, stories and fun activities with their children.

Libraries too are highlighting Family Literacy Day. During Family Literacy Week, Isabel Turner Library in Kingston and Napanee Public Library are both offering special story times that include reading to or with a therapy dog. A showcase of children’s programming is planned at Kingston’s Central Library, and a special parent and baby time at Amherstview Public Library will also be part of the celebrations.

This is only a small sampling of local Family Literacy celebrations. Contact your local Early Years Centre, library and school to find out what’s happening in your area, or visit ABC Life Literacy Canada for ideas and downloadable activities to do at home. http://abclifeliteracy.ca/fld/15-minutes-of-fun

If you don’t want to kill time, you can seize the moment and celebrate it, and in doing so discover even more than 15 minutes of fun.

Susan Ramsay is the Early Literacy Specialist for Hastings, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. You can contact her at 613-354-6318 (ext 32) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.