sally leads the way!

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For more updates on Joanne's Storytelling Adventures

sponsored by Nestle KLIM

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Thursday 23rd March, 2006 - DAY #2

Joanne Gail Johnson and other Caribbean Storytellers

Sponsored by Nestle KLIM

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The three sessions on Thursday were nothing less than thrilling for me. Reading goes together with thrilling? Yes, absolutely!

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I must preface this entry of our Storytelling journeys by expressing my appreciation for the friendly, helpful and modest yet exuberant professionals of both Nalis and Nestle.

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I began partnering ventures with NALIS in 2005. Since then, whether at the National Library in Port-of-Spain or in community libraries around the country, without exception, every interaction rehabilitates any build up of "Oh gawsh Trinidad!" frustration. If only for that reason, I wish more and more of our people would flock to their neighborhood libraries where they will find an oasis of respectful experience to inform them, and a world of books to delight!

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The tasteful presence of Nestle's KLIM at the sessions fills me with a feeling of being well supported and recognised too, for what I do. Their crews are relaxed, involved, efficient and on time. Who could ask for more?!

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for more photos click here

. Our first session on Thursday at Tunapuna was delightfully new for me. I read Sally's Way to a group of hearing impaired children. Marsha, in white, signed for me as I spoke and read - more slowly, and intuitively than I would normally. This was very instructive in teaching ME how to be more deeply attentive as I interact with any audience, and others in general. (See Tunapuna librarian Stacey, in peach. Thanks, Stacey!)

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At the beginning of the story, Sally enjoys feeling the pounding water of the gushing stand pipe on her back. I often focus on what characters are feeling since it is a vital but mostly ignored aspect - of our living, and by extension our writing and reading experience.

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Children get a chance to use their sense of feel to gather information and identify objects. One teacher from the School for the Deaf told me after the session how "bang on"these activities are for the kids.

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The children all said their favorite part was when Sally surprised her grandmother. Then they received a surprise of their own: an individual copy of the book! Thanks Nestle!....

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I did a google search to inform myself a bit beforehand about a subject of which I knew nothing: 'reading for the deaf'. I have to admit I was somewhat nervous and uncertain. Would I be able to connect? Would they be interested?

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This session really opened me up to understanding how alike we all are. These children are some of the brightest, funniest and most friendly I've ever met. Reading for them helped me to let down some of my barriers. I noticed the stereotypes of my expectations before hand reflected fears that are not at all real.

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I dare say this is now one of my most unforgettable experiences!

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for more photos click here

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...And with more treats to take home too, hopefully they will remember it as well.

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Another treat was to be introduced to R.O.S.E.C. Pre-School by Sarah Maharaj, Senior Librarian IV at NALIS. Her individual interest and enthusiasm has facilitated this tour. Thank you Sarah!

What can you hear inside a seashell?

Did you hear the sun yawn?!

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Mrs. Perreira, teacher at R.O.S.E.C. helps the children with a game of "Guess what this is?"

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for more photos click here

Three teachers came from R.O.S.E.C bringing a larger group than expected - thirty-nine in all. Luckily I had extra Sally's Waybooks and the better readers took home a copy each. With theread alond CD enclosed, (Thanks Audio Concepts!) the more mature youngsters will enjoy the story and pictures -and may even pick up a few new words!.....One last photo before you go!

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Mt. D'or Government Primary at the San Juan branch was our last stop. I was told many of these children were 'under privileged'and 'slow readers'. I found them so disciplined yet expressive, co-operative and creative.

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We began our session with some personal introductions, and then turned out the lights to enact a scene from The Scottish-Island Girl.While Tootan with torch in hand led Lizzy and Alex to see a giant turtle (curled on the carpet - smile) an orchestra played sensitively to fit the mood. One on drum, another with shak-shak, one on flute and another with rain stick. "Look! It's a giant turtle!" They instinctively knew to build to a crescendo and voila! a room full of children were eager to read the story from the book!

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With this group I handed out the books as a part of the session and invited them to read along. ( These 'slow' readers turned out to be good readers too!)

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One little girl kept asking, "This is mine? For me? You mean I get to keep it? To take it home? Forever?""Yes, my dear child. It is yours to take home. To keep. To enjoy forever."They seemed to find it hard to believe that someone was giving them something for themselves, for FREE!

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This may appear to be a routine part of a corporate sponsor's activity but for the kids and me it is far from the ordinary.

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The love of reading can only come from focussing on the LOVE even more than the reading. Kids will, in time, learn the words and spelling, the grammar, punctuation etc. Unfortunately very few of us make it into adulthood with a LOVE for reading secured!

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Thank you Nestle for facilitating these extraordinary community - reading experiences!

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Photos: Akeisha Ross

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Joanne Gail Johnson

www.caribbeanchildren.com