The Power of Predictable and Decodable Texts
The BIA Early Intervention & Oneida Community Library recently held their Kʌ́tsi Storytime Event with a fishing theme. This event showcased the power of using predictable and decodable texts, combined with hands-on activities, to foster essential skills in young learners. The event kicked off with a lively reading of the book “Fish Eyes – A Book You Can Count On” by Losi Ehiert.
This carefully chosen text, with its predictable patterns and decodable words, allowed children to actively engage with the story, reinforcing their early literacy skills. The colorful illustrations and playful rhymes captured the imaginations of the young audience as they counted and explored the underwater world.
Hands-on Learning through Arts and Crafts
After the story, the little ones got creative during craft time, molding their very own fish out of modeling clay. This hands-on activity not only fostered their artistic talents but also supported the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity – all essential for writing and other academic pursuits. As children shaped and decorated their fishy friends, they were able to express their individuality and imagination, further reinforcing the concepts and vocabulary introduced in the book. The tactile experience of molding clay also helped cement their understanding of the fish’s physical characteristics, enhancing their comprehension and retention.
Multisensory Approach to Learning
Rose Navarro-Red Hail, the Early Intervention Specialist, passed out a healthy snack for the children after the storytime craft activity. This thoughtful addition ensured the little ones had nourishment and energy to continue enjoying the engaging fishing-themed event at the Oneida Community Library & BIA Early Intervention, promoting a positive and nurturing learning environment.
Reinforcing Language and Cultural Connections
To reinforce the fishing theme and promote language development, the children participated in a memory game using specially designed fish cards with Oneida language created by Akacia, the Library Service Associate. These cards not only supported their cognitive skills but also helped preserve and promote their cultural heritage, fostering a sense of pride and identity.
Eliza Skenandore, the Library Director, further enriched the event by presenting an informative session on the Oneida Nation’s hunting and fishing rights. She shared stories of how the elders fought to protect these rights at Duck Creek, ensuring that future generations could continue to enjoy these traditional practices. This educational component fostered cultural awareness and appreciation among the participants, connecting them to their roots and traditions.
The Oneida Community Library & BIA Early Intervention’s storytime event was a resounding success, combining education, creativity, and cultural awareness in a delightful way. By integrating predictable and decodable texts, hands-on crafts, language development activities, and cultural education, the library effectively supported the development of essential skills like writing, creativity, and cultural understanding in a fun and interactive manner. Families left with smiles on their faces and a newfound appreciation for the joys of fishing, storytelling, and their rich heritage. Yawʌˀkó∙
Click to Down the FISHING MEMORY GAME (Print twice to play as Go Kʌ́tsi)
