Welcome to the Manitoba Reading Association
Welcome to the Manitoba Reading Association's website! The Manitoba Reading Association (MRA) is a provincial council of the International Literacy Association. We include over 500 teachers, parents, students, and others committed to the promotion of literacy and to the improvement of reading and writing instruction throughout Manitoba. We also support the development of literacy throughout the province with our local councils.
Preparing children for their literacy future is the most important work anyone can do.
Recent Updates
Please join us at the Manitoba Reading Association!
General Meetings will be held:
Jan. 20, 2024 (details TBD)
April 20, 2024 (AGM, details TBD)
Jan. 20, 2024 (details TBD)
April 20, 2024 (AGM, details TBD)
Position Statement on Book Banning
The Manitoba Reading Association is a provincial council of the International Literacy Association, and is comprised of both rural and urban members from other local reading councils. We are posting our position because of recent book banning attempts in our Province and are concerned over the issue of book censorship.
Professor Emeritus Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop is credited with promoting books for children that act as windows and mirrors. It is important for children (really, all people) to see themselves reflected in the books they read. It is also important to see into the lived experiences of other people. This creates empathy and understanding of others for the reader. Children need books to learn about themselves and the world. Books hold the transformative power to broaden horizons, cultivate empathy, and ignite meaningful discussions.
Banning books from libraries is a dangerous precedent in a democratic society. Besides allowing one group of people to dictate what others can read, it has a ripple effect that impacts the rights of other readers. Readers who may need that book need to see themselves as a part of society, and that there is a place in the world for all of us. We stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQ+ community, advocating for representation, acceptance, and equal rights. Let us embrace diverse perspectives and ensure a society that values and respects everyone's identities.
- Manitoba Reading Association
Professor Emeritus Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop is credited with promoting books for children that act as windows and mirrors. It is important for children (really, all people) to see themselves reflected in the books they read. It is also important to see into the lived experiences of other people. This creates empathy and understanding of others for the reader. Children need books to learn about themselves and the world. Books hold the transformative power to broaden horizons, cultivate empathy, and ignite meaningful discussions.
Banning books from libraries is a dangerous precedent in a democratic society. Besides allowing one group of people to dictate what others can read, it has a ripple effect that impacts the rights of other readers. Readers who may need that book need to see themselves as a part of society, and that there is a place in the world for all of us. We stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQ+ community, advocating for representation, acceptance, and equal rights. Let us embrace diverse perspectives and ensure a society that values and respects everyone's identities.
- Manitoba Reading Association
Please consider joining the RCGW for their live webinar on Dec. 4 - Decoding Structured Literacy in the Classroom.
Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/rcgw-webinar-decoding-structured-literacy-in-the-classroom-tickets-761242345347
Exciting New PD Opportunity from MCRC!
Click here for more information or to register!
ILA Board of Directors Nominations Open
Do you know someone who would be perfect for the International Literacy Association's Board of Directors? Someone with a passion for literacy and service? Nominations are open now until Dec. 21, 2023. Click here for more information!
MRA Crocus Awards and RCGW Awards Night
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Cris Tovani One-Day Event Hosted by MRA's Adolescent Literacy Summit
MRA Annual General Meeting
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Our AGM was held the day after the Tovani event at the Victoria Inn Conference Centre, on April 22, 2023. After our business meeting, where we elected a brand new Secretary (Sarah Harrison) and President Elect (Carrie Wood), Lisa and Brian Wyzlic presented author Lisa's new picture book Harold the Iceberg Melts Down, and how to use picture books with all ages. We are still looking for a Treasurer, Vice President and members at large. Please reach out to our committee if you are interested in joining!
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Kudos to Friesens, one of MRA's Partners in Literacy, for their commitment to I Love To Read Month
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From their website:
Book printing is always a reason to celebrate at Friesens Corporation because it’s our business and it’s what we love! But February is a special month with a special meaning – it’s I Love to Read month! This campaign, promoted locally and nationally, means a lot to us for several reasons:
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CBC Best Canadian Books for Kids and Teens of 2022
Click here to check out the CBC Books picks for the best Young Adult, middle grade and picture books for kids published in 2022.
Right to Read: Accessible Books for Everyone!
Check out more information on audiobooks, including a webinar, from the Canadian Children's Book Centre website.