Donald Teuma-Castelletti
SHAWVILLE Sept. 8, 2018
Budding writers and artists were putting their skills to work Saturday morning as they set out on their own creative ventures – by designing and producing picture books.
Art in the Park saw 22 children and eight moms descend upon Mill Dam Park, in an effort to promote literacy skills and education by the Western Quebec Literacy Council (WQLC).
Working with Get Art’s Kate Aley, children had the chance to work with their parent or guardian to create their own unique story, complete with a copyright slip to add authenticity to their masterpieces.
While the initial plan was to have the authors decorate just the cover of their books, everyone quickly went beyond that, diving headlong into their adventures with tales of farm animals, tractor pulls and much more.
“Today has been really great because kids work with their parents and older siblings to create the stories they want to tell,” said WQLC executive director Michèle Gagnon.
Aley explained that while many kids are aware of what a book is, providing the opportunity to create their own changes what a book is capable of doing for them. It offers a chance to explore their own creativity and outlet for telling stories, while encouraging them to explore more literary adventures in their own free time.
Beyond letting children’s imagination run wild, the moms were provided with a package from the WQLC containing many more ideas for encouraging literacy at home. This resource included a simple recipe for pancakes, ideas for tying reading into everyday fun and games, tips for maintaining a schedule, an introduction to sign language and more.
Through this series of activities, parents can use the package to come up with more ways to connect reading with their child’s interests.
Gagnon said that Saturday’s event is the first in what is hoped to be a series of events this fall and early winter, all leading up to World Literacy Day on Jan. 27. The plan is to host four more, though the WQLC is still seeking opportunities to partner with to host such events.
“We’re looking for organizations or schools that are willing to host similar events,” said Gagnon.
If interested, contact information can be found at www.wqlc.org.
