International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on September 8th throughout the world for 60 years now – you can read more about it here. Often schools like to do something to celebrate this event and each year we get requests from teachers from all over the world around what they could do on the day – ironically these requests peak 1-4 days before September the 8th.
The approach outlined here provides a simple framework for marking World Literacy Day using participative storytelling. There’s a little homework that needs to be done beforehand and this will involve parents and caregivers who we’d also like to remind of the power of literacy to change lives:
GOAL: To celebrate International Literacy day using an engaging activity short event that engages learners
METHOD: In class we ask learners to research and prepare a story around literacy, and especially how literacy has changed lives. Ideally the group should comprise 3-4 learners. Learners are encouraged to source stories from their home environments and share these in class – each group will select a story that they will perform on International Literacy Day,
INSTRUCTIONS: Around 10 days to a week before 8th August Designate learners into groups of 3-4 participants maximum -instructions to read: “For International Literacy Day, we would like you to research stories of how literacy and becoming literate has changed lives. We’d like you to work in the group you’ve been assigned to and research/find stories about literacy. These stories can be found at home and anywhere people get together, Once you’ve found an interesting story or stories, share it with your group. When everyone in the group has shared and listeded to the stories, select a story/ies that you would like to present as a group on 8th September”
ON THE DAY: Learners formally present their story one group at a time.The audience can comprise their peers, other classes, the entire school and even parents. Keep it simple if you want to avoid admin and expenses.
WRAP UP: The event can be recorded using simple cellphone technology. It’s easy to edit this using various open sofource software. It could become part of a project to record, edit and upload your contribution to youtube. We’d also be happy to share it on storytelling.co.za
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