What's Literacy?

Join our host, Dan Laxer, as he welcomes Julia Norcross, Programs Manager at ABC Life Literacy Canada. They dive into the "Summer Slide"—the challenge of students losing some academic gains over summer break. Julia shares practical tips and creative strategies to help families keep their literacy skills sharp while enjoying all those summer adventures. Don't miss this engaging discussion packed with ideas to keep your...

In this episode, Dan chats with Alix Adrien, a lifelong educator and President of the Quebec Board of Black Educators (QBBE), a nonprofit education and research institution committed to raising awareness on educational bias, as well as providing academic support and opportunities to communities of colour. Dan chats with Alix about his journey and experiences as a lifelong educator, issues Black-Quebecers have historically faced (an...

Join Dan Laxer and award-winning author and illustrator Barbara Reid in a special Family Literacy episode of the What’s Literacy? podcast. Together, they discuss the importance of learning together as a family, how to foster a love of reading in young children, and so much more. Tune in today and unlock the power of family literacy!

Barbara's website: https://barbarareid.ca/

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In the latest episode of What’s Literacy?, we have a new podcast host taking the mic! Dan Laxer is a writer with several years' experience in broadcast media and print journalism. He currently covers the west end for The Suburban, and teaches media and podcasting to elementary school students.

Dan interviews Elizabeth Robinson from ABC Life Literacy Canada to discuss financial literacy and their Money Matters program. What is finan...

Today's episode is dedicated to International Literacy Day, which is observed annually on September 8th around the world. This day serves as a reminder for policymakers, practitioners, and the public about the crucial significance of literacy in building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable society. In this episode, Wendy Seys, president of LQ’s board and Executive Director of Yamaska Literacy Council, leads an enlightening conve...

Welcome to Episode 1 of season 12! Today’s episode is in honour of Adult Learners’ Week, which takes place every year during the first week of April. Adult Learners' Week recognizes the perseverance and achievements of adult learners who may be returning to school or learning a new skill, while juggling other commitments. To celebrate, Jessica speaks with three people from The Learning Exchange, a not-for-profit literacy organizat...

Greg Birkett is an Ontario-based educational consultant, award-winning educator, author, playwright and slam poet. He is the co-presenter and co-developer of See Us, Learn Us: Teaching the Black Canadian Experience, a nationwide webinar for educators and education stakeholders in partnership with Nelson Education. He has appeared on City TV News and Breakfast Television to discuss issues pertaining to anti-Black racism, its impact ...

Kristin Dmytriw is the Director of Programs and Training at Centre for Family Literacy in Edmonton, Alberta, where she facilitates and adapts programs to meet the needs of families, and helps build capacity in communities by offering training and resources. In this episode, Laura speaks with Kristin to learn more about what the Centre for Family Literacy does and the programs they offer, how families can practice their literacy ski...

Cyndi Owen is a social worker, and has worked in the Public Health and Social Services field for about 15 years. Throughout her career, she has garnered comprehensive knowledge on the topic of boundaries and self-care. In this episode, Jessica speaks with Cyndi about why boundaries and self-care are important in maintaining better mental health, as well as what these terms mean. 

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Nadia L. Hohn is an award-winning author, children’s educator, and activist. In this episode, Jessica chats with Nadia about the importance of representation, diversity, and inclusion in children’s literature.

Nadia’s website: https://www.nadialhohn.com/

Nadia’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nadialhohnauthor

Orca Books (independently-owned publishing house that strives to produce books for young people that encompass al...

Matthew Johnson Director of Education from Media Smarts joins Niamh to talk about Media Literacy Week.

Media Literacy Week - October 23rd - 27th

"Media Literacy Week is an annual event promoting digital media literacy across Canada, taking place each October. Schools, libraries, museums and community groups organize events and activities throughout the week."

Digital Citizen Day - October 25, 2023

House Hippos

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Literacy Quebec team member, Jessica Leahy interviews Jael Richardson.

Jael Richardson bio: Jael Richardson is the author of three books: The Stone Thrower: A Daughter’s Lesson, a Father’s Life (also adapted into a children’s book), Gutter Child, and Because You Are. She also founded and serves as the executive director of the FOLD, the Festival of Literary Diversity. The FOLD is Canada’s first festival for diverse writers, giving ...

Heidi Rubin bio: With 25 years in the industry behind them, Heidi opened Infinity Movement with the mission of creating brave and inclusive space and building strength and resilience in the fitness world, one #rainbrojock at a time!

Infinity Movement: https://www.infinitymovement.ca/

More on inclusivity:

Tips to Creating Inclusive Spaces from Loyola University in Chicago https://www.luc.edu/media/lucedu/equity/pdfs/visualaids/Creat...

Roen's bio from www.roenhiggins.com: An award-winning Poet, Youth Educator, Inspirational Speaker, and Impact Coach. Her mission is to Elevate her audience with key life skills; such as resiliency, leadership, creative literacy, self-care & community well-being.

What’s Literacy episode 57: Creating and Building a Life of Learning with Roen Higgins and Linda Sparks: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/literacy-quebe...

Niamh talks with David about his work as an author and public speaker and how working with children and educators has enriched these roles. They also speak about land acknowledgements and how this relatively new practice can be as meaningful as possible.

David A. Robertson (he, him, his) was the 2021 recipient of the Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read Award as well as the Globe and Mail Children's Storyteller of the Year...

Liz Wheeler is the co-founder non-profit and micro animal sanctuary Secondhand Stories (https://www.secondhandstories.ca), based in Lombardy, ON. In this episode of What's Literacy? Jeff talks to Liz about her resident sanctuary rescue chickens, how books are helping raise the funds needed to care for the animals, how and why she got started, and how listeners of the podcast can support their efforts.

Listeners are encoura...

Greg Birkett, Educator, Writer, Slam Poet, Producer and Educational Consultant chats with Niamh about slam poetry for Poetry Month. Their conversation flows between education, poetry, performance, Black history, the Black Canadian experience, teaching resources and methodology.

Gregory Birkett, OCT, is an educator with the Toronto District School Board. He has over 14 years of experience in the field of education. In addition to...

Literacy Québec director Margo Legault interviews award-winning author Jonathan Bécotte and accomplished translator Jonathan Kaplansky and talks about one of M. Bécotte's recent books; "Like a Hurricane" (Comme un ouragan), its significance as a resource for youth struggling with discovering, accepting, and being their true selves, as well as the importance and deep understanding required to ensure once translated, th...

Niamh sits down with Headucatorz for a chat about Hip Hop at the Reading For The Love Of It conference in Toronto.
Hip Hop Headucatorz are a group of Ontario Teachers who believe in the use of Hip Hop culture to inspire and engage students.The Headucatorz are made up of DJs, producers, emcees, breakers, and graffiti artists who are active educators across Southern Ontario.
Members – A-Cubed, Chase March, I.Khan, Jon Corbin, J...