Making Making learning fun is a feat nowadays. Computers, televisions and video games are major distractions, adding to the difficulty of convincing kids to open a book.
learning fun
A pair of Girl Scouts have created
Program offers free apron kits
interactive storybook aprons that allow
children to become participants
in the reading processBy Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.comIt's been proven that children become readers when their parents and other caregivers read to them. Reading to children can open up doors of imagination that seem almost magical. By avoiding the written word, children miss out on journeys into new worlds that spring into existence with each turn of the page can bring the reader on a journey into another world.
Kristine Wada and Nika Nakamoto came up with a way to make reading more fun and exciting for children, with hopes that their participatory method will motivate them to read on their own.
The two Girl Scouts created interactive storybook aprons that allow kids to become a major part of the story. Children always have favorite stories, so why not act them out?
"If you just read a book, the words go into the mind, but pictures and gestures are what make it more interesting," Nakamoto said.
"Reading aloud increases vocabulary, makes you use your imagination and promotes self-confidence," added Wada.The two girls recently made a presentation to the kindergarten and first grade classes at Hau'ula Elementary School. The keiki in the classrooms quickly got involved in the action during the reading of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. Wada read the story while Nakamoto wore the storybook apron adorned with props. The apron had a sun in the center and her pockets were full of apples, oranges, and even the leaf that the hungry little caterpillar munches through. And, of course, the beautiful butterfly that he becomes in the end.
Nakamoto distributed the food props to the eager group of children. She used her caterpillar to go through each food item, just as he did in the story. The children were captivated by the adventure.
Next, Rachel Kanagusuku took the stage to hold the mouse, the main character in "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie." As the story was read, different children took turns going to find the items the mouse was asking for in the story. Each item could be found in one of the apron pockets.
Wada and Nakamoto also made storybook aprons for "The Rainbow Fish" and "The Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly." Aprons can be made to accommodate a favorite story.
"We used props that complement each story. It's always good to pick up cheap little toys and things that could be used," said Nakamoto.Crafts that complement the interactive storytelling were also incorporated into the program. "Bookmarks are a good choice since they promote reading," said Wada.
The literacy project earned them a Girl Scouts Gold Award.
"They really put their heart and souls into the project," said Pam Gilbert, program specialist of the Girl Scout organization. "The best part is that it doesn't stop here. They want to continue to go out and read to young children."
In addition to the apron project, the girls collected more than 1,300 new and used books and $2,500 to be used in the school's library.
"All it takes is a little creativity and patience. We are hoping when people see them, they will want to make an apron of their own," said Wada.
Good news! Anyone who is willing to read to at least 25 children can obtain a free apron-making kit from the 4-H Read to Me Program. The kit contains a training manual, aprons and supplies including a glue gun, Velcro, fabric swatches, an iron and everything else needed to create your own masterpiece. The kits may be used for a six-week period. Teachers, clubs, youth groups and volunteers who want to incorporate storytelling into their curriculum can obtain kits. Read to children for
a free apron-making kitSewing ability helps to create sturdy props, but is not necessary. "We found that glue works really well. It's too hard to lug sewing machines out into the community. There are a lot of ways to be creative. We don't like to tell people how to make the aprons, because we want them all to be different," said Claire Nakatsuka, from the 4-H office.
A disposable camera is also included to take photographs of the volunteers creating the aprons and reading their stories. The used cameras are returned with the kits and the 4-H program develops the photographs.
"We understand the importance of reading," added Nakatsuka. "All we ask is that they (the apron makers) read to at least 25 children, and that they complete the reflection and evaluation forms."
For information on obtaining the free apron kits, call Claire Nakatsuka at 956-7196. Those who want to read to their own children can purchase or sew a regular kitchen apron, adding pockets to contain props to bring life to a child's favorite story.
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