Creative Close to Coalisland’s Irish Language Book Club
July 12, 2012
Coalisland Library was transformed into a magical world of singing and dancing animals, witches, ships and spells as this year’s Irish language, children’s book club drew to a close for the summer!
A visit from ‘Síona Scéalaí’, Sheena the storyteller from the Land of Stories, was a fitting finale to the year’s programme. Under the guidance of ‘Síona Scéalaí’ otherwise known as Ariel Killick (an accomplished Irish Language Performance Artist), the children got to create their very own story which they then brought to life in a fun and imaginative way.
Chairs were transformed into icebergs, children adopted their characters roles as they danced and sang to a rhythm of their own creation. In short, all involved had a fantastic time and it was evident that storytelling and reading activities are an important and enjoyable experience for children of all ages.
‘Léigh Leat’, or ‘Read On’ is an Irish language Book Club in which children from local Irish Medium schools, have the opportunity to read and interact with a variety of Irish language books suitable to their age and interests. The club takes place fortnightly in the inviting and child-friendly environment of Coalisland Library.
With growing numbers this year, the readers have been divided into 2 groups according to age. Within these groups the children get to read in a fun and imaginative environment as well as participating in related activities that so far have included art work, drama, puzzles and even a treasure hunt around the library!
All of the activities undertaken at the Book Club foster a love for reading and creating stories and of course have the additional element of helping these particular children see, that Irish is a living and vibrant language that can be used outside of the classroom. These sentiments were also reiterated by Gearóid Trimble, Programme Manager for Foras na Gaeilge, in his speech at the presentation of certificates to the children who had attended the Book Club.
Speaking to the parents, leaders, the Irish Language Officer and library staff , Gearóid emphasised the importance of each of their roles in providing the children in their care with such a worthwhile opportunity in terms of creating and developing a love for books and for the Irish language.
Addressing the children, he asked them to make him a promise that they would continue to read and enjoy books and to make use of the fantastic Irish language resources provided by their local library. The spirited, energetic atmosphere that prevailed throughout the book club and in particular during its closing session is a sign that this is one promise that is likely to remain unbroken.
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