The importance of taking time to sit down and read as a family was a main message at Lacombe Upper Elementary School's 3rd annual Family Literacy Project on Thursday (Jan 18th).

The day included some special guest readers and a new book for every family to take home to read together.

School Principal Sonja Dykslag explains why they want to build excitement around reading.

“We’ve just noticed that our students need to be reading more and a home reading program is always an advantage to the kids, and to their reading abilities and just having that opportunity to read with their parents and their families just promotes the importance of reading.  Take time to read with your kids, to spend time as a family enjoying good books and that modeling will make your students want to read more, your kids want to read more and that helps us as teachers, as educators”.

Just what impact does reading have on kids?

Here's what 11 year old Jonas and 9 year old Amelia had to say about their time spent reading.

“It makes me feel happy, happy because the books are fun and funny, and I read because I like hockey books” ~Jonas

“It’s really fun and it makes me feel relaxed and happy”. ~Amelia

Families were encouraged to read a chapter of their new book, Sigmund Brouwer's Rebel Glory, together every night.

The local author’s hockey book is also helping the school build excitement for the upcoming Hometown Hockey Tour stop in Lacombe in a couple of short weeks.

(guest reader Lacombe Mayor Grant Creasey)