In our latest epsiode, Dan chats with Melissa Racine from MediaSmarts about the challenges of managing screentime in today's digital age. They delve into practical strategies for balancing screen use, particularly for children and families. Melissa shares tips on setting limits, encouraging healthy tech habits, and fostering open communication regarding digital consumption. MediaSmarts website: https://mediasmarts.ca/ More on Literacy Quebec: Have questions or need help? Contact ...
Jul 03, 2025•15 min
Join our host, Dan Laxer, as he welcomes Julia Norcross, Programs Manager at ABC Life Literacy Canada. They dive into the "Summer Slide"—the challenge of students losing some academic gains over summer break. Julia shares practical tips and creative strategies to help families keep their literacy skills sharp while enjoying all those summer adventures. Don't miss this engaging discussion packed with ideas to keep your kids learning! ABC Life Literacy Canada: https://abclifeliteracy.ca/ Article a...
Jun 11, 2025•18 min
In this episode, Dan chats with Alix Adrien, a lifelong educator and President of the Quebec Board of Black Educators (QBBE), a nonprofit education and research institution committed to raising awareness on educational bias, as well as providing academic support and opportunities to communities of colour. Dan chats with Alix about his journey and experiences as a lifelong educator, issues Black-Quebecers have historically faced (and continue to) in the education system, and more! Quebec Board of...
Mar 24, 2025•35 min
Join Dan Laxer and award-winning author and illustrator Barbara Reid in a special Family Literacy episode of the What’s Literacy? podcast. Together, they discuss the importance of learning together as a family, how to foster a love of reading in young children, and so much more. Tune in today and unlock the power of family literacy! Barbara's website: https://barbarareid.ca/ More on Literacy Quebec: Have questions or need help? Contact Literacy Quebec's Literacy Helpline or call 1-888-52...
Jan 22, 2025•20 min
In the latest episode of What’s Literacy? , we have a new podcast host taking the mic! Dan Laxer is a writer with several years' experience in broadcast media and print journalism. He currently covers the west end for The Suburban, and teaches media and podcasting to elementary school students. Dan interviews Elizabeth Robinson from ABC Life Literacy Canada to discuss financial literacy and their Money Matters program. What is financial literacy? What does it mean to be financially literate? Why...
Nov 13, 2024•19 min
Today's episode is dedicated to International Literacy Day, which is observed annually on September 8th around the world. This day serves as a reminder for policymakers, practitioners, and the public about the crucial significance of literacy in building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable society. In this episode, Wendy Seys, president of LQ’s board and Executive Director of Yamaska Literacy Counci l, leads an enlightening conversation with Canadian literacy expert Brigid Hayes. They discuss...
Sep 03, 2024•46 min
Welcome to Episode 1 of season 12! Today’s episode is in honour of Adult Learners’ Week, which takes place every year during the first week of April. Adult Learners' Week recognizes the perseverance and achievements of adult learners who may be returning to school or learning a new skill, while juggling other commitments. To celebrate, Jessica speaks with three people from The Learning Exchange, a not-for-profit literacy organization in Laval that provides free tutoring services and programs to ...
Apr 05, 2024•22 min
Greg Birkett is an Ontario-based educational consultant, award-winning educator, author, playwright and slam poet. He is the co-presenter and co-developer of See Us, Learn Us: Teaching the Black Canadian Experience, a nationwide webinar for educators and education stakeholders in partnership with Nelson Education. He has appeared on City TV News and Breakfast Television to discuss issues pertaining to anti-Black racism, its impact on the educational system and how to address these challenges. Gr...
Feb 06, 2024•31 min
Kristin Dmytriw is the Director of Programs and Training at Centre for Family Literacy in Edmonton, Alberta, where she facilitates and adapts programs to meet the needs of families, and helps build capacity in communities by offering training and resources. In this episode, Laura speaks with Kristin to learn more about what the Centre for Family Literacy does and the programs they offer, how families can practice their literacy skills together, the benefits of doing so, and so much more! Centre ...
Jan 25, 2024•20 min
Cyndi Owen is a social worker, and has worked in the Public Health and Social Services field for about 15 years. Throughout her career, she has garnered comprehensive knowledge on the topic of boundaries and self-care. In this episode, Jessica speaks with Cyndi about why boundaries and self-care are important in maintaining better mental health, as well as what these terms mean. More on Literacy Quebec: Have questions or need help? Contact Literacy Quebec's Literacy Helpline or call 1-...
Dec 20, 2023•38 min
Nadia L. Hohn is an award-winning author, children’s educator, and activist. In this episode, Jessica chats with Nadia about the importance of representation, diversity, and inclusion in children’s literature. Nadia’s website: https://www.nadialhohn.com/ Nadia’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nadialhohnauthor Orca Books (independently-owned publishing house that strives to produce books for young people that encompass all ethnicities, people with disabilities, and those who identify a...
Nov 29, 2023•32 min
Matthew Johnson Director of Education from Media Smarts joins Niamh to talk about Media Literacy Week. Media Literacy Week - October 23rd - 27th "Media Literacy Week is an annual event promoting digital media literacy across Canada, taking place each October. Schools, libraries, museums and community groups organize events and activities throughout the week." Digital Citizen Day - October 25, 2023 House Hippos More on Literacy Quebec: Have questions or need help? Contact Literacy Quebec's...
Oct 19, 2023•37 min•Season 11Ep. 73
Literacy Quebec team member, Jessica Leahy interviews Jael Richardson. Jael Richardson bio : Jael Richardson is the author of three books: The Stone Thrower: A Daughter’s Lesson, a Father’s Life (also adapted into a children’s book), Gutter Child, and Because You Are. She also founded and serves as the executive director of the FOLD, the Festival of Literary Diversity. The FOLD is Canada’s first festival for diverse writers, giving a platform to underrepresented voices through panels, discussion...
Sep 21, 2023•30 min•Season 11Ep. 6
Heidi Rubin bio : With 25 years in the industry behind them, Heidi opened Infinity Movement with the mission of creating brave and inclusive space and building strength and resilience in the fitness world, one #rainbrojock at a time! Infinity Movement : https://www.infinitymovement.ca/ More on inclusivity: Tips to Creating Inclusive Spaces from Loyola University in Chicago https://www.luc.edu/media/lucedu/equity/pdfs/visualaids/Creating%20Inclusive%20Spaces.pdf What does an Inclusive Space Look ...
Aug 17, 2023•32 min
Roen's bio from www.roenhiggins.com : An award-winning Poet, Youth Educator, Inspirational Speaker, and Impact Coach. Her mission is to Elevate her audience with key life skills; such as resiliency, leadership, creative literacy, self-care & community well-being. What’s Literacy episode 57: Creating and Building a Life of Learning with Roen Higgins and Linda Sparks: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/literacy-quebec/episodes/Episode-57---Creativity-and-building-a-life-of-learning-with-R...
Jul 20, 2023•12 min
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 Children's Storyteller of the Year. He is the author of numerous books for young readers including When ...
Jun 15, 2023•31 min•Season 11Ep. 3
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 their efforts. Listeners are encouraged to follow all of the adventures taking place on the sanctuary as wel...
May 18, 2023•30 min•Season 11Ep. 2
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 field of education. In addition to teaching, Greg is also a playwright, published author and award-win...
Apr 24, 2023•35 min•Season 11Ep. 1
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 required to ensure once translated, that no meaning is lost. Listeners are encouraged to reach out to either gentlema...
Mar 29, 2023•25 min•Season 10Ep. 65
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, Chase March, I.Khan, Jon Corbin, Just Sev, Matt Dee, MikeAll, Tigz, the apologette, and Wizekrak https://...
Mar 20, 2023•31 min•Season 10Ep. 64
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 economic development programs. BCRC Montreal Website Eventbrite Link to The Animated Black Film Festival -...
Feb 09, 2023•28 min
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 for an audience of all ages! Watch here More information can be found on the Literacy Quebec site Show Link...
Jan 23, 2023•26 min•Season 10Ep. 5
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 importance of feelings and how they become songs, how songs become stories and how friendship and the art o...
Jan 14, 2023•20 min
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 importance of feelings and how they become songs, how songs become stories and how friendship and the art of coll...
Dec 14, 2022•32 min•Season 10Ep. 4
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 for new books in the making, and finally, what literacy means to him. Show Links: Have questions or...
Dec 06, 2022•23 min
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? Contact Literacy Quebec's Literacy Helpline or call 1-888-521-8181 Learn more about Frontier Colleg...
Oct 13, 2022•18 min
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. They discuss the different types of elections, how to vote, and what to do if you can't vote to participat...
Oct 01, 2022•24 min•Season 10Ep. 1
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 coordinator. She even worked on a Rolling Stone music video! Recently Linda has written her first fi...
Jun 27, 2022•51 min•Season 9Ep. 5
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 coast". In a time when the cost of living is only going up, what's better than to learn financial de...
May 23, 2022•56 min•Season 9Ep. 4
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: Mike and Makere, Adult Learners from Lost for Words, Joanne Medlin the President of the Australian Council of...
Apr 23, 2022•1 hr•Season 9Ep. 3
