Raise-A-Reader: Building a love of reading, one Saturday at a time

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal News Raise-A-Reader: Building a love of reading, one Saturday at a time The eight-week literacy program gives kindergarten children and their caregivers time to read, create, connect and learn together. Author of the article: By Cheryl Chan Published Sep 23, 2026 Last updated 12 minutes ago 3 minute read Join the conversation Langley student Beckett Kempinski still signs his name on his art work after being inspired by a book he read as part of the Talk with Me, Play with Me, Learn with Me literacy program. PHOTO BY LANGLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUNDATI Article content Whenever Beckett Kempinski finishes a piece of artwork, he signs it. Article content His father traces the habit back to a children’s book they read together at the Langley Literacy Network’s “Talk With Me, Play With Me, Learn With Me” when Beckett was in kindergarten. Article content Article content The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds, was one of the books read during the eight-week program. It tells the story of a girl who believes she can’t draw until her teacher encourages her to make a mark — and sign it. The lesson stayed with Beckett, now in Grade 3. Article content Article content “He signs everything now because of this book, to this day,” said Nick Kempinski. Article content Sunrise Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content That little flourish is an example of the power of books, the way a thoughtfully chosen story could spark a child’s imagination and turn reading into an experience that extends well beyond the page. Article content For eight Saturday mornings, Talk With Me, Play With Me, Learn With Me brings kindergarten children and their parents or caregivers together for stories, conversations and crafts. The program runs three times a year, rotating between three locations in Willoughby, Aldergrove and the City of Langley. Article content Families are greeted with coffee, while kids often make a beeline for toys scattered around the room. Article content Then, the children gather on a rug for reading time. Afterward, they do a craft that ties into the book. At the end of the session, the families get a copy of each session’s book to enjoy at home. Article…