Burnaby Neighbourhood House: 4460 Beresford Street, Burnaby, BC, V5H 0B8
Literacy Outreach Coordinator: 604-562-3447
literacynow@burnabynh.ca

Types of Literacy

Types of Literacy

Reading, Writing, and Numeracy

Reading, Writing, and Numeracy

This is the type of literacy that we’re all familiar with. It involves the ability to read, write, and use basic math skills. Many people develop these basic literacy skills in childhood, but there are numerous adult literacy programs all over the world.
Did you know that low literacy skills have been linked to more frequent and longer illnesses, and even earlier death?

Digital Literacy

Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is the ability to use technology to communicate information. It involves:
– Technical Knowledge: understanding the different forms of information technology.
– Critical Thinking: evaluating them according to your needs
– Technical Skills: having the required skills to use them to communicate information
(source: American Library Association)

Media Literacy

Media Literacy

Media literacy is defined as the ability to recognize different forms of media, critically evaluate the message they are sending, and create messages of your own. You can develop the necessary media literacy skills by asking yourself a series of simple questions.

(source: American Library Association)

Health Literacy

Health Literacy

Health Literacy gives people the ability to make well-informed decisions related to their health. It involves:
– Finding credible health information
– Understanding that information
– Using that information for their own personal needs

(Source: US department of health)

Financial Literacy

Financial Literacy

This type of literacy is defined as having the knowledge, skills and confidence to make responsible financial decisions. It can involve:
– Paying bills on time
– Knowing how to create a budget
– Working knowledge of investing
– Regular management of credit score

(source: government of Canada)

Physical Literacy

Physical Literacy

Physical literacy is the ability to lead a physically active lifestyle. It is achieved by cultivating three elements:
– Knowledge: knowing the benefits of having an active life, and knowing the dangers associated with different types of physical activity.
– Motivation: enthusiasm for being physically active. This can be internal, or reinforced externally by society.
– Competence: developing the necessary motor skills for a certain activity, e.g. flexibility for yoga.

(source: the International Physical Literacy Association)

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