How Does Wordfest Spark Teen Literacy?
Life-Changing Experiences for Grades 5-12
Fuelled by community support and the generosity of our donors, Wordfest’s Youth Program focuses on students in Grades 5 to 12 to spark the next generation of engaged Calgarians and avid readers.
Over the past decade, Wordfest has inspired thousands of Calgary teens by connecting them with leading authors, including Pulitzer Prize winner Tessa Hulls, Academy Award winner Sarah Polley, Governor General’s Literary Award winners Cherie Dimaline, Sarah Everett, and David A. Robertson, National Book Award winners Omar El Akkad and Ibram X. Kendi. Emmy Award winner Matty Matheson, nine-time Juno Award winner Max Kerman, Vogue Senior Fashion & Style writer Christian Allaire, Booker Prize winner Yann Martel, and RBC Taylor Prize winner Tanya Talaga. Hometown heroes Tegan & Tanya shared their best selves with our kids, sparking them to think and dream bigger.
Thanks to donors like you, we’ve given out more than 15,000 by contemporary, relevant, award-winning Canadian authors (often the first books teens are able to claim as their own). Our innovative outreach activities empower the next generation of engaged Calgarians and avid readers.
It’s a proven formula: authentic author connections + compelling books = empowered minds. Repeat. And all of this innovative programming is delivered free of charge, while paying the authors for their valuable time and expertise.
At Wordfest Youth, we’re devoting our literacy efforts to students in middle and high school, as Canadian data shows that the number of students who read for pleasure declines after age 11 (Scholastic, 2017). A society with high literacy levels is also likely to have a higher GDP, citizens with better physical and mental health, and higher civic engagement (Government of Alberta, 2009). In the attention economy of the 21st century, reading is in direct competition with apps and games of all kinds that deliver a quick dopamine hit. We’re here to help teens discover the value in reading.
Recent Wordfest Youth Authors
Background on Teen Literacy
At Wordfest Youth, we’re devoting our literacy efforts to students in middle and high school, as Canadian data shows that the number of students who read for pleasure declines after age 11 (Scholastic, 2017). A society with high literacy levels is also likely to have a higher GDP, citizens with better physical and mental health, and higher civic engagement (Government of Alberta, 2009). In the attention economy of the 21st century, reading is in direct competition with screens, apps, and games that deliver a quick dopamine hit. But we see an emerging trend back toward analog connection, in which reading can be “constructive rebellion”—the most punk thing a teen can do.
Young people receive the same benefits from reading that adults do: namely, improved imagination, focus and flow, relaxation, and mood regulation. Young people who read also are more likely to practice self-reflection, which can lead to increased social interaction and a resulting increase in social and cultural capital (The Reading Agency, 2015).
We know that we need to motivate students to read. However, rewards and other extrinsic motivation have not been shown to be successful in promoting positive attitudes toward reading for youth (McQuillan, 1997). So, what works? Students who read for pleasure identify their key motivating factors as autonomy, a feeling of competence, interest, value placed on reading, and social belonging (Centre de transfert pour la réussite éducative du Québec [CTREQ], 2018).
Based on these factors, Wordfest Youth helps teachers serve their students by implementing the following effective motivational strategies:
- helping youth establish connections between reading and their personal lives,
- encouraging youth to express themselves during reading-related activities, and, above all,
- introducing youths to reading role models or inspiring writers (CTREQ)
A Wordfest Youth field trip opens doors for students, reigniting the spark of their love for books or stoking a new fire. We see the importance of reading both the world and the word (Freire, 1983). Now more than ever, teens need the ability to read and write, access to both empathy and fact-based knowledge, and the aptitude to engage in mutually respectful communication. We’re ready to help make it happen.
References
- Centre de transfert pour la réussite éducative du Québec. (2018). Reading for pleasure.
- Freire, P. (1983). The importance of the act of reading. Literacy and Ideology, 165 (1), 5-11.
- Government of Alberta. (2009). Living literacy: a literacy framework for Alberta’s next generation economy.
- McQuillan, J. (1997). The effects of incentives on reading. Literacy Research and Instruction, 36 (2), 111-125.
- The Reading Agency. (2015). Literature review: The impact of reading for pleasure and empowerment.
- Scholastic Canada. (2017). Kids & Family Reading Report.
Educator Testimonials
Over the past decade, Wordfest™ has connected more than 100,000 Calgary students with the world’s most inspiring speakers and authors, including Indigenous superstars, Canada’s astronauts, and hometown heroes like Tegan & Sara.
"As a high-needs school, we often face barriers to accessing enriching educational opportunities, but Wordfest has made literature come alive in ways we never imagined. The subsidized programming was crucial for us, ensuring that financial barriers didn’t prevent our students from participating. Many of our students felt seen and heard, inspired to express their own voices during the Q&A. Thanks to Wordfest, we saw firsthand how literature can spark curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love of reading." –Terry Fox School
"Wordfest went above and beyond to facilitate my students attending the Michelle Good event. From providing class copies of the book, to helping with transportation, I cannot overstate how grateful I am that, in a time where our budget and administrative constraints are high, an organization exists that can foster greater student learning and appreciation for the arts." –James Fowler High School
"Being such a small school with such a tight budget we are really limited in what we can expose the kids to. The fact that this is free AND we get books is amazing." – Alternative High School
"Hearing from celebrity chef Matty Matheson provided our students with invaluable insights into the culinary industry regarding career development, creativity, and the passion that drives success in the kitchen. It was inspiring to witness the students’ enthusiasm as they engaged with him after the show to get his autograph in their newly coveted cookbooks! Events like this play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of culinary professionals." –Learning Leader, Unique Pathways
"The incredible buzz after the Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's presentation was intense and so great to be a part of. The students were engaged, they reflected on the insightful responses from Dr. Kendi, and we took so much away that we can apply to our class and Indigenous Studies. I love that they give out copies of the books as well because encouraging kids to read is so important and exposing them to diverse authors via this wonderful organization is my favourite part." –Joanne Cardinal Schubert High School
"I was ecstatic to meet the man who was able to resuscitate my heart through his beautiful and riveting writing. Omar El Akkad gave us rare insights and pushed us to open our minds to the world beyond our cellphones. His words both on paper and in our ears held a magnitude of rich messages that every student at some point needs to hear." – Grade 12 CBE student
How Do I Get Involved?
Donate to Wordfest. Your generosity will help meaningfully connect Calgary students with the world’s most inspiring authors. Find out more here.
Help spread the word! Share this Instagram Reel capturing the energy of the youth events at our 2023 Imaginairium Festival, and this audio recording of Yann Martel sharing the meaning of Life of Pi with Calgary students in 2022! To find out about regular Wordfest programming, join our email list and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads.
Connect with us if you’re a Calgary-area educator working with students in Grades 5-12. To find out first about upcoming opportunities for your classes, sign up for the Youth email list. (To avoid FOMO with our regular programming, please sign up for the Wordfest email list and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads.)
Continue This Calgary Story of Innovative Youth Activation
Help keep the momentum going with a one-time or monthly contribution online to Wordfest’s general fund. Please visit our fundraising page on CanadaHelps.org.