From January 25 to February 1, families across British Columbia celebrated Family Literacy Week 2026 (FLW). This annual celebration encourages families to learn together through everyday activities and shared moments.
The 2026 theme, “Make mealtime family learning time,” reminds us that learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms or with books. It happens around the dinner table, during snack prep, and in conversations over breakfast. Cooking, eating, and talking together can build literacy skills, strengthen family bonds, and support healthy habits at every age.
Family Literacy Week in BC is led by Decoda Literacy Solutions, with free, age-specific activities and resources available to families across the province.
Why Mealtime Matters for Family Literacy
Mealtimes are more than just about food. Research shows that regular family meals support children’s language development, social skills, and emotional wellbeing.
According to Decoda Literacy Solutions, shared meals help children develop:
- language and communication skills
- early literacy and thinking skills
- fine motor coordination
- healthy eating habits
- confidence and independence
- a sense of belonging and family connection
Literacy grows through daily routines, and mealtime is one of the most powerful and consistent routines families share.
Literacy is part of everyday life — and food brings everyone together.
Source: Decoda Literacy Solutions, Make Mealtime Family Learning Time – Backgrounder
What Children Learn During Mealtimes
When families cook and eat together, children naturally practice many important skills:
Language & Communication
- learning new words like crunchy, squishy, bitter, or sweet
- talking about likes and dislikes
- listening and taking turns in conversation
Thinking & Early Math
- following steps and instructions
- recognizing patterns, colours, sizes, and sequences
- making choices about what and how much to eat
Physical Development
- pouring, stirring, scooping, and using utensils
- building hand muscles needed later for writing and drawing
Social & Emotional Skills
- gaining confidence by trying new things
- learning family traditions and cultural foods
- feeling connected and included
Sources: Decoda Literacy Solutions, Government of Canada, Canada’s Food Guide (2025), HealthLink BC (2023)
Decoda’s Family Literacy Week resources include simple, playful activities for different ages. Find activity sheets with age-specific mealtime learning activities at Decoda.ca
Healthy Eating & Literacy Go Hand in Hand
Family meals also support lifelong healthy habits. Trusted resources for families include:
- Canada’s Food Guide (Government of Canada, 2025)
- HealthLink BC – Healthy Eating for Children
- ZERO TO THREE – Healthy from the Start
These sources highlight how shared meals support physical growth, emotional security, and learning from an early age.
Celebrate Family Literacy in Burnaby
Family Literacy Week is a reminder that we are all learners, at every age and stage.
Families can:
- cook together
- talk and listen during meals
- explore new foods and traditions
- use free activity sheets from Decoda
- enjoy learning as part of everyday life
Small moments around the table can spark curiosity, confidence, and connection that last far beyond mealtime.
Learn More & Access Free Resources
Free, printable, age-specific activities are available from Decoda Literacy Solutions:
🌐 https://decoda.ca/resource/make-mealtime-family-learning-time-backgrounder/