Families throughout Chicago will have the opportunity to learn captivating ways to incorporate enriching literacy activities into their everyday lives at a celebration of the written and spoken word sponsored by the DePaul University School of Education. “Leap Into Family Literacy” will be held from noon until 3 p.m. Feb. 29 at the DePaul University Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Ave. The event is free and open to the public.

The program, which was designed to promote the joys of literacy to families with children in preschool through eighth grade, will take on many forms to encourage increased comfort with reading and writing. The oral, written, visual, artistic, scientific, mathematical, technological and cultural aspects of literacy will be presented through such activities as a reader’s theatre, poem writing workshops, word games and art projects. There also will be free books, prizes and tips for parents about how to develop and encourage literacy in their children.

Celebrity readers will be on hand to help bring words to life through reading. Readers will include: Nancy Pender, weekend news anchor for “FOX News Chicago;” April Young Fritz, author of “Waiting to Disappear,” (Hyperion, 2002); Christine Boardman Moen, author of “Better Than Book Reports,” (Thompson Publishing, 1999); Freddie Levin, illustrator of the popular “1-2-3 Draw” series; Marlene Targ Brill, author of “Tooth Tales from Around the World,”(Charlesbridge, 1998); Sharon Darrow, author of “Old Thunder,” (DK Publishing, 2000) and Carolyn Crimi, author of “Don’t Need Friends,” (Dragonfly Books, 2001).

“An abundance of research in the field of reading education supports the claim that family involvement in literacy experiences is key to the successful attainment of reading and writing,” said Roxanne Owens, an associate professor in the School of Education and one of the program’s organizers. “Through the interactive experiences provided during this event, families will enhance their understanding of the multifaceted nature of literacy and will be exposed to a variety of ideas they can implement at home—and they’ll have fun while they’re learning.”

Participants at the reading and writing festival will be able to move from booth to booth partaking in the variety of literacy focused events. Sponsors of the word party, which include the Illinois Reading Council, Alphonsus Academy, Chicago Public Schools, and Barnes & Noble, hope that the festivities leave a lasting impression on young readers and their families.

“Engaging in literacy can have a profound impact on children’s success in school and life,” said Owens. “We hope to educate families on the many fun, engaging, meaningful and useful literacy practices that can easily be integrated into their lives.”

Note to editors—Reporters wishing to cover “Leap Into Family Literacy” should contact Valerie Phillips, DePaul Media Relations, at 312/362-5039 or 312-330-3155 (cell).