The Shoe Project by Author Katherine Govier

I wanted to work with immigrant women who had the potential to lead, honing their writing skills in English. Elizabeth Semmelhack, Senior Curator of the Bata Shoe Museum, wanted to create a small exhibition featuring ‘the shoes that brought me to Canada’. We met at a dinner party. Our two ideas came together with a private sponsor and The Shoe Project was born.

Every Thursday last fall I met with twelve women from 18 to 60 who have come to Toronto from the Ukraine, Columbia, and many places in between. Elizabeth opened the rich storage vaults of the Bata and spoke of the cultural significance of shoes. I brought tea, and various members brought cookies. We talked about writing and we talked about immigration. We laughed over expressions using shoes that are common in many languages: ‘waiting for the other shoe to drop’ was one that puzzled almost everyone. ‘Filling someone’s shoes’ and ‘walking a mile in his shoes’ seem universal. Shoes are really quite profound: intensely personal, they speak of geography, weather, work, religion, and gender. Actually, there is very little that shoes DON”T speak about.

The women all found that they had a shoe-inspired tale. Writing their stories in 800 words was one thing. Providing a 100 word caption for an item on display in a showcase was even harder. One woman’s story is about being smuggled across the border from Eritrea in a pair of Nikes. Another wrote about her terror donning ski boots to take the ultimate test, sliding down on sticks down a hill in the Canadian Rockies. Another brought the tiny Gerber baby shoes her daughter wore when they first touched down in Canada from Pakistan.

By the end of eight weeks each member had written a personal essay and provided the footwear to match. The ‘snapshot’ exhibition where you can see their writing and their shoes opens Feb 9th. The Shoe Project continues this winter, with its members reaching out to help more women in their shoes.

KATHERINE GOVIER’S LATEST NOVEL IS THE GHOST BRUSH (HarperCollins.ca)


www.govier.com
www.theprintmakersdaughter.com

Why is Family Literacy so important?

On January 27th, we celebrate Family Literacy Day in Canada. It's a national awareness day initiated by ABC LifeLiteracy Canada , to bring light to the importance of family literacy.

Today, I think we focus a lot on our children's literacy more than our own (as parents), and yet it's something that we should continue throughout of life. On the STELLAA website, we list 10 Ways to Celebrate Family Literacy Day, but you can definitely continue to do these daily. Literacy is not only about reading and writing. It's about growing your ability to learn, and we learn everyday. In everything we do, there is an aspect of learning. And thus, the importance of literacy.

It's never too late to start a new activity to build your literacy skills as a family. I have small children and so our literacy focused activities include visiting the library on a weekly basis (even on a busy day, I can't really avoid it as it's on my way to my son's school and I don't remember a day when he didn't ask to go to the library!) bedtime stories, read-a-longs at the library, and author events like the Children's Story Jam by Small Print Toronto. We've also started to play board games and do family puzzles. Some well-known board games that help children develop their literacy skills (while you refresh yours) include

• Monopoly Jr.--helps with development of social skills, colour recognition, reasoning, reading and math skills
• Scrabble Jr.--develops literacy and language skills
• Boogle Jr.--helps with letter recognition, words, spelling, printing, and matching skills
• Zingo--fosters matching and reading skills, quick thinking
• Junior Labyrinth--helps with the development of spacial relations

It's a great way to spend an afternoon with the family...not to mention quite nice on the wallet! Other than the above mentioned learning opportunities, board games help your child calm their erratic energy into a more mature and sociably accept personality.

This Family Literacy Day, do something as a family to encourage and foster literacy and continued learning. We'd love to hear what you've done! Please comment below with any additional ideas!

By Joanna Ferensowicz, President, STELLAA

Sharing the Joys of Reading

I think I was born an avid reader. I will read anything and everything: books, magazines, comic books, cookbooks, poetry, fiction, mysteries, nonfiction, cereal boxes… Whatever has words on it is fair game.

I love being able to lose myself in a book and enter a different world, or to read a poem that paints a vivid image or provokes a feeling, or to discover something about an intriguing person in their biography.

But for some (like me), sharing a love of reading with someone else makes it even more enjoyable. What fun to talk about a book you love with a friend, comparing your likes and dislikes, or to write a few words in a book blog and have a discussion there with people you don’t even know! And of course, nothing compares with listening to a favourite story read aloud.

My first memory of being read to was from our battered set of Encyclopedia Brittanica. It had a whole section on fairy tales and I particularly remember Rumpelstiltskin. I can still see the wonderful line drawings that accompanied that fantastic story, showing him stomping off into the forest, never to be heard from again! My husband and I used to read to each other sometimes, and later as a new mother, one of my greatest joys was reading to my young son. We read to him every day, any time of the day or evening, and of course at bedtime without fail. That time for the three of us was very precious. Nobody wanted the story to end!

More recently, we read aloud to my mother-in-law as she got to the point of not being able to read or do much for herself. Although she virtually stopped speaking, she enjoyed it when we read to her and would nod or smile to tell us to keep going. Sometimes I would knit and she would watch me as we listened together to a familiar tale. We couldn’t always tell whether she understood the story or simply liked listening to our voices, but that didn’t really matter. It was a cozy way of spending time with each other, connected somehow through the book we shared.

A more active reading experienced is achieved by participating in a book club. I joined the one at the local public library and it is phenomenal. Reading a book for a book club is a different experience from simply reading for your own pleasure. After the quiet, introspective endeavour of reading the book on your own, you now enter a more dynamic phase. At my book club, there is heated debate and argument, questioning of viewpoints, agreement about some things, and strong disagreement about others. It is a lively two hours of discussion, discovery, laughter, and robust opinions. Our bond is the love of reading, but we represent different ages and stages in life, various types of careers, and several cultures and countries. Each of us brings a unique perspective to the table and adds to the richness to be found in the book. At the end of the session, we sometimes realize that our viewpoint has altered somewhat. How gratifying to know that we are gaining something from these meetings, however intangible that may be.
There are so many casual, day-to-day ways of sharing a good read. My son and I like some of the same authors, and are hooked on a couple of mystery writers. It’s hard to wait till the other one is finished the book before making comments. We are dying to find out what the other thought about the implausible plot, or the interesting new character that was introduced. My sister and I talk about books often through email, and I sent her a special book for Christmas. We are going to read it at the same time so we can discuss it as we go along. And of course I chat about books with my friends all the time and we often exchange books. So many ways to enjoy reading and many memories associated with it.

One especially fond memory is of visiting my in-laws when our son was small. We would sit in the family room after supper, all reading, or doing crossword puzzles. It was very quiet, except for my mother-in-law’s desultory comments about newspaper articles, or our occasional (unnecessary) contribution to my father-in-law’s cryptic crossword. But often we would simply sit together, reading in companionable silence.

A bond is formed through reading, a relationship with the author, or a fellow reader, that is unique. The exchanging of ideas, in whatever format, creates connections. What greater benefit could there be than to connect with another person, in whatever way that takes place?

Thanks to S.T.E.L.L.A. for the opportunity to share my love of reading with others. I am on twitter @jaduperreault and write a book blog where I review fiction, a bit of nonfiction, and the occasional poetry collection: Bookdiscovery-jeanne.blogspot.com

I am a Book Snob Hypocrite! By @Chickymara

I’m reading a really great book. Actually, its the third book in a trilogy. I read the first two books each in three days, and now I’m on the third. This trilogy is not what you’d call literary fiction. But, its got amazing characters and an engaging story. A friend of mine recommended that I read the books. When she asked me what I thought, my answer, I’m ashamed to admit, was, ‘Well, the writing isn’t that great, its kind of junky.’ I hastened to add, ‘But the story is really good so I’m loving it.’ Her answer? ‘Oh, funny. Only you would say that.’

Have I been a participant in book snobbery once again? Although as the perpetrator this time?

I’ve written before about this book snobbery, which is a condition where one judges others by the quality and genre of the words that they read. I was first really confronted personally by book snobbery when I was ‘judged’ by someone who tossed off the titles of arguably classic yet intimidating (and possibly mind numbing) tome by another book-lover, and who most certainly was horrified by my love of British Chick-Lit.

And here I was, doing something that I’d hated myself: clarifying or quantifying the value of a book.

I was at a literary festival (The Toronto Word on the Streets) in Toronto in September, and I was talking to one of the authors that I met about my son, who is a huge reader. I was bemoaning the availability of good reading for advanced tweens who don’t like vampires. I mentioned that my son loves James Patterson, a very prolific and commercially successful writer. And this author, who himself is extremely successful and commercial, made a face and said something to the effect of, ‘But, his writing. Meh.’ And I thought, ‘But the kid is reading...’

Sound familiar? Yep, book snobbery at work. And almost word-for-word what I said to my friend about the novels that she recommended to me. Am I a hypocrite?

I’ve always said that I like to read from a variety of genres, styles and authors. In fact, I really like to alternate my literary fiction with lighter fare. So, why did I feel the need to deride a book that I actually was enjoying? I’m not really sure. My friend is more of a paperback gal, so I wasn’t trying to impress her. Was I being a snob or just honest? And if it was the latter, which I’m 99% sure it was, did I need to tell her that I thought her new favorite book was sorta badly written?

I truly believe in self-reflection and improvement. And so, I will try not to judge a book by its innards. But, rather, I will rate it by how it resonates with me. How it makes me feel, engages me, and lives in my imagination. The words will become the vehicle, and not something to critique. Especially, because I’m pretty sure I can’t do any better (and we all know, if you can’t do, don’t critique. Right?

By @Chickymara

Social media...is it the new philosophy for kids and teens?

Philosophy is about discussion, questioning and experimenting with ideas. Social media outlets let us and our kids join in discussions on topics that are of interest to them. With social media we are able to question others' thoughts and ideas. We are able to express our ideas and hear others' opinions of our ideas.

Now the question is, can we use this new social phenomenon to expand literacy and learning skills in kids and teens. I don't know a teen that doesn't use the Internet. And most are using some form of social media. They are expressing their ideas and therefore, in some form or another, developing philosophical skills that help, in turn, develop literacy skills.

With social media being a medium of free expression, we are bombarded with so much information and must use and therefore, build our information processing skills. When reading and writing, whether for pleasure or purpose, we use the same info processing skills. We then enquire, reason and creatively think of our own 'philosophy' on the topic.

So how can we integrate social media into teaching literacy, critical thinking and philosophy to kids and teens?

By Joanna Ferensowicz, President, STELLAA

5 reasons to give books as gifts

We happen to think that books make great gifts all year round, but seeing as we are right in the middle of the holiday season, we thought we'd give you some great reasons to give books as gifts to everyone on your list this year:

1.  Compared to many of the other gift options out there, books are pretty inexpensive. Especially when you consider that books not only give you happiness while you're reading them but also long after you've turned that last page.

2. Choosing the right book to give as a gift takes real thought and attention. Who wouldn't want that over a gift card or something equally impersonal?

3. Books are really easy to wrap! It's a small thing, but it counts.

4. Giving a book that you've read to a friend or family member means you have the perfect excuse to get together again and discuss it.

5. You can buy books online, at independent bookstores, and at larger bookstore chains. You can even gift an eBook by simply purchasing the book and sending it in an email. Buying books has never been easier!


Will you be giving any books as gifts over the holidays?

Book Sharing

My house is covered from end-to-end in books. As I’ve said in previous posts, to me, the best way to get kids reading is to make the books readily available to them. If something is all around, you’re just bound to love it, right? It’s true. Sort of. My kids do like to read, although they go through phases with their attraction to reading, which is partially caused by distractions such as Facebook, hacking each others computers, or just being a teenager. What I do notice, though is that they don’t treasure or revere the actual physical objects called books like I did as a child. I still have some of the books that I loved, even now, 30 years later. When I see them, I smile. There are memories associated with them. Now, maybe it’s just me, and my attachment to things that are meaningful, but I like to keep my books forever. I was devastated when my parents accidentally sold a box of my childhood picture books at a garage sale. And I still think about my ‘babies’ that were donated by my husband after we moved into our current home. Maybe I’m selfish, or even a hoarder, but I like to keep my books all to myself, even those I have no intention of re-reading. (I do share if the borrower promises to bring the book back forthwith.) After all, the stories are mine, right? Associated with those pages are my memories and the vivid imaginary experiences that I’ve had with the characters. My kids, however, are very happy to clear their bookshelves, either sharing the books around the house with a sibling, giving them to friends or their cousins, or in the case of my youngest, donate them to his school library. As he said, ‘These are books I don’t want anymore. But, they are titles (I swear he used the word title-he’s gifted) that other kids like and are in demand with the school library. I already spoke to the librarian.’ I sift through their picture books alternately smiling and sobbing as I reflect on the memories contained therein. I think about warm, cozy story time and soft, downy, post-bath time heads snuggled against my chest as I read them about the latest adventures. But, they are just ready to move on. They seem to be able to separate the object (book) from love of the story. I can’t decide if it saddens me or baffles me. Maybe I’m selfish or just sentimental. Books are for everyone. They bring people together. My kids understand that these stories are meant for sharing. Instead of squeezing their bookshelves ever tighter, double stacking and haphazardly piling, my children want to pass on their favorites to others who might enjoy them. I’m starting to think that those kids have got it right and its time to overcome my possessiveness over my paperbound bits of happiness. I think I should begin to follow their lead starting with this holiday season. I encourage you all to share the gift of reading by dropping off a box of books to STELLAA, to make a donation, or follow my son’s lead, and give the books to your local school library, shelter, or even hospital. I hope that this New Year brings you health, happiness, and the prosperity that comes from within.