Welcome to the Family Literacy Night Guide! Our monthly events are designed to engage families in fun and educational activities that promote reading and literacy skills.

Here’s what you can expect at our Family Literacy Nights:

We believe that literacy is a family affair, and our events are designed to create a supportive environment for learning. Join us each month to foster a love of reading and strengthen family literacy skills together!

Making the Most of Your Family Literacy Night

A Family Literacy Night works best when families arrive ready to take part rather than simply watch. A little preparation helps children feel confident and gives parents and caregivers ideas they can carry home. Here are some practical suggestions for getting the most out of each evening.

Before you come

  • Talk about it at home. Let children know they will hear stories, play word games and maybe choose a book. Knowing what to expect helps shy readers settle in.
  • Bring a favourite book. Children love showing a book they already know, and it gives volunteers an easy way to start a conversation about what your child enjoys.
  • Plan your evening. Events are held in community spaces around Memphis, so check the location and timing in advance and allow time for parking or bus connections. Details of the spaces we use are listed on our venues page.

During the event

Sit with your child during read-alouds and notice how the reader uses expression, pauses and questions. These are the same techniques you can use at bedtime. During hands-on activities, let your child lead: if they want to sound out a word slowly or retell a story in their own way, that effort is exactly what builds skill. Younger siblings are welcome too, since even toddlers benefit from hearing rhymes and seeing books handled with care.

Keeping the momentum at home

The most valuable part of a literacy night is what happens in the weeks afterwards. Try to set aside ten to fifteen minutes a day for shared reading, even on busy evenings. Ask open questions such as "What do you think will happen next?" or "Why did the character do that?" Let children see adults reading too, whether it is a recipe, a newspaper or a novel.

If your child is struggling, you are not alone, and early support makes a real difference. Our reading resources include simple at-home activities, and our tutoring programmes offer one-to-one help for readers who need extra encouragement. Bring your questions to the next literacy night, as volunteers are always happy to talk through ideas that suit your family.

Also on this site: Events