Young authors in Horsefly are helping to bring the community together through storytelling.
Students at Horsefly School are participating in a new StoryWalk season, creating stories by illustrating them and turning them into books, and are having fun while learning in the process.
“We are all writers” is the mantra of kindergarten and grade one teacher Kathy Farkas, as she believes the Horsefly StoryWalk is the perfect way to bring young writers and community readers together, as writers need readers.
Farkas goes on to explain that the bookmaking process helps children see themselves as writers.
“Each writer has a unique identity and individual abilities,” she said. “During bookmaking, they make decisions, take actions and even take risks. If children are not trying to write, they are not learning to write.”
A StoryWalk is a deconstructed book with laminated pages clipped to posts throughout green spaces and outdoor paths, which provide opportunities for family engagement and outdoor learning and exploration, in addition to just reading. Movement is encouraged between pages as well, by physical prompts, such as ‘walk like a duck’ or ‘pretend to paddle a canoe.’ These prompts are appreciated by the kids as they happily jump and dance between pages, according to the Cariboo-Chilcotin Partners for Literacy (CCPL) Society.
CCPL is committed to promoting literacy through awareness, advocacy and by initiating and supporting learning opportunities, and the society was delighted to launch the Horsefly StoryWalk season with the help of Horsefly School and the Grade one students’ dinosaur-themed stories.
CCPL outreach coordinator Carla Bullinger says writing does not come easily for many people, as they can face challenges along the way.
“We sit in front of a white piece of paper and try to think of something to write,” she said. “When we have ideas, we can’t seem to find the right words, and the page continues to remain blank.”
Students at Horsefly School are proud to overcome the challenges that come with writing, especially for young authors.
“I made books and I am a writer,” said student Kaylie. “It is cool.”
Fellow student, Nico, added being a writer is both hard and easy.
“Some words are hard, some are easy,” he said. “I am learning to be a writer — being a writer is fun.”
Bullinger also went on to say it is exciting the students see themselves as growing authors, by taking risks, sharing their work, developing confidence and experiencing the joys of being a writer.
Student Finn agrees with Bullinger’s sentiments.
“I like that other people will read my story,” he said.
CCPL thanked Mrs. Farkas and congratulated the students in her class for a job well done on their StoryWalk project.
StoryWalks are available all over the region, at the Horsefly River trail, Kiwanis Park in Williams Lake, Parkside Art Gallery in 100 Mile House and in Alexis Creek. Books are changed out. every few weeks, and the CCPL Facebook page will have all the updated tittles.
READ MORE: Into the Community Forest for a StoryWalk
