What's Literacy?

Niamh talks with David about his work as an author and public speaker and how working with children and educators has enriched these roles. They also speak about land acknowledgements and how this relatively new practice can be as meaningful as possible. David A. Robertson (he, him, his) was the 2021 recipient of the Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read Award as well as the Globe and Mail Chil...

Liz Wheeler is the co-founder non-profit and micro animal sanctuary Secondhand Stories ( https://www.secondhandstories.ca ), based in Lombardy, ON. In this episode of What's Literacy? Jeff talks to Liz about her resident sanctuary rescue chickens, how books are helping raise the funds needed to care for the animals, how and why she got started, and how listeners of the podcast can support thei...

Greg Birkett, Educator, Writer, Slam Poet, Producer and Educational Consultant chats with Niamh about slam poetry for Poetry Month. Their conversation flows between education, poetry, performance, Black history, the Black Canadian experience, teaching resources and methodology. Gregory Birkett, OCT, is an educator with the Toronto District School Board. He has over 14 years of experience in the fi...

Literacy Québec director Margo Legault interviews award-winning author Jonathan Bécotte and accomplished translator Jonathan Kaplansky and talks about one of M. Bécotte's recent books; "Like a Hurricane" (Comme un ouragan), its significance as a resource for youth struggling with discovering, accepting, and being their true selves, as well as the importance and deep understanding req...

Niamh sits down with Headucatorz for a chat about Hip Hop at the Reading For The Love Of It conference in Toronto. Hip Hop Headucatorz  are a group of Ontario Teachers who believe in the use of Hip Hop culture to inspire and engage students. The Headucatorz are made up of DJs, producers, emcees, breakers, and graffiti artists who are active educators across Southern Ontario. Members – A-Cubed, Cha...

Jeff interviews John Davids, research coordinator at the Black Community Resource Center (BCRC) in Montreal about their work and research in Quebec. Established in 1995, their mandate is to provide and implement professional innovative support services to individuals, communities, para-public and public organizations. They also develop and run health, education, socio-culture, and community econom...

Niamh interviews Ellie Tamura from ABC Life Literacy Canada in this Family Literacy themed episode. Event highlight - A Conversation with Jeremy Fisher Wednesday, January 25 at noon EST  via Zoom Jeremy joins us again to discuss his work making music for young listeners, families, and everyone alike! Concert with Jeremy Fisher - Available to watch on YouTube, Jeremy shares stories and songs f...

FAMILY LITERACY SERIES Jaimie and Laura sit with Jeremy Fisher again as part of our Family Literacy series. About Jeremy:  Jeremy Fisher is a three-time JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter based in Ottawa, Ontario. He has released 6 studio albums and his music has been featured on radio, in film, commercials, and as main title TV themes. His latest venture, Jeremy and Jazzy , teaches about the i...

FAMILY LITERACY SERIES Jaimie and Laura sit with Jeremy Fisher as part of our Family Literacy series. About Jeremy:  Jeremy Fisher is a three-time JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter based in Ottawa, Ontario. He has released 6 studio albums and his music has been featured on radio, in film, commercials, and as main title TV themes. His latest venture, Jeremy and Jazzy , teaches about the importa...

Welcome to Season 10 Episode 3 of What's Literacy? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, Jeff interviews Martin Silverstone, editor-at-large of the Atlantic Salmon Journal. Already acquainted through their time playing for the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Rugby Football Club , Jeff digs into Martin's childhood, his love of reading and writing, and his dedication to community. Martin also shares plans...

Welcome to Season 10 Episode 2 of What's Literacy? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, Jaimie introduces the Podcast’s new hosts Jeff Taylor and Niamh Devaney. Niamh and Jeff talk a little bit about their backgrounds and plans for upcoming episodes, as well as what listeners can expect vis-a-vis changes to the format and structure of the podcast itself. Show Links: Have questions or need help?...

Welcome to Season 10 Episode 1 of What's Literacy? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, we say goodbye to our dear friend and co-host, Chris Shee. Good luck Chris on your new adventures! You will be missed.  With the Quebec provincial election coming up on October 3, 2020, we talk civic literacy. Our new co-host Niamh sits down with Apathy is Boring 's Executive Director, Samantha Reusch....

Welcome to Season 9 Episode 5 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, Jaimie sits down with Linda Sparks, who started her journalism career writing articles for the Aylmer Bulletin and the West Quebec Post, including her own weekly column entitled the Faces of West Quebec. Linda also worked in the film industry as a location scout, screenwriter and production...

Welcome to Season 9 Episode 4 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, Jaimie catches up with Trevor Donovan, Chief Growth Officer, National Team from PennyDrops , a student-run organization to talk about their mission of helping Canadian youth make informed decisions with their finances; "PennyDrops is paving the way to financial freedom for students coast to...

Welcome to Season 9 Episode 3 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec!  In today's episode, we celebrate Adult Learners with special guests from Lost For Words, a 3 episode series on SBS in Australia. The show follows amazing adult students on an intensive literacy course with host Jay Laga'aia, and literacy experts Joanne Medlin & Adam Nobilia. Today, our guests are: Mik...

Welcome to Season 9 Episode 2 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec ! In today's episode, we are celebrating International Women's Day and International Storytelling Day with authors, illustrators, publishers and more!! Today, our guests are: Aisha Boubacar , a uthor and illustrator, who wrote her first book “Crowned in Curls” at 14 years old and Kate Lavut, author, illustrator...

Welcome to Season 9 Episode a of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec ! In today's episode, we are celebrating Black History Month by re-sharing two great interviews that still very much resonate. We hear about how Black histories should be added to the curriculum and the steps we can take to broaden our understanding outside of the classroom. Come celebrate Black History this mon...

Welcome to Season 8 Episode 6 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec ! In today's episode, we celebrate Family Literacy Day with the one and only Raffi!   Family Literacy Day is this Thursday, January 27th, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family, and this year’s Family Literacy Day theme is:...

Welcome to Season 8 Episode 5 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec ! In today's episode, we continue our focus on the groundbreaking Lost For Words , a 3 episode series on SBS in Australia. The show follows host Jay Laga'aia , literacy experts Joanne Medlin & Adam Nobilia, and brave adult students on an intensive literacy course. Today, our guests are literacy experts Joann...

Welcome to Season 8 Episode 3 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec ! In today’s episode, we explore the theme: the power of your story! So many nuggets of wisdom in this episode from our wonderful guests! We have very distinct guests, but they all speak to building connections and skills to empower yourself throughout life. Guests: Joseph Fitzmorris , teacher, Football coach an...

Welcome to Season 8 Episode 2 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec ! In today’s episode…. We continue our theme of civic literacy and also talk about how storytelling can help strengthen communities with our special guests: Greg Kelley, MNA (Member of the National Assembly of QC) who has been an advocate of improving access for English-speakers to french classes. Greg comes fro...

Welcome to Season 8 Episode 1 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec ! In today's episode, we have two very special guests who will share their perspectives and encourage you to head back to the polls on November 6 and 7th; with the federal elections still fresh in our minds, you may be wondering why you should bother with voting in the upcoming municipal elections that are takin...

Welcome to What's Literacy Got To Do With It? a podcast by Literacy Quebec ! In today’s BONUS episode we get ready for the upcoming federal election on September 20th!  We are joined by: Janet Mowat, Programs Manager, ABC Life Literacy Canada to discuss ABC's new Voting Toolki t developed with Elections Canada for literacy service practitioners and learners. We talk also about the importance...

Welcome to Season 7 Episode 5 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec ! In today’s HUGE episode we are joined by 8 guests over 4 segments! You heard right! 8 guests who help us celebrate International Literacy Day which is tomorrow the 8th September! Each of our guests take us on their amazing literacy journeys of life long learning, share cutting edge information on current liter...

Welcome to Season 7 Episode 4 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec !  Over the last year we saw many member organizations quickly adapt their programming online. While there were challenges, our guests today highlight the new found opportunities for connection and lifelong learning that came from adapting their literacy programming. Today we are joined by the South Shore L...