“Once upon a time, in a cozy corner of Koelbel Library, a group of eager young minds gathered for an uncharted yet thrilling adventure. Their mission? To explore the mystical world of books, unravel stories, and create something extraordinary with their own hands as a memory from the book”
We are talking about the ‘Reading by Doing’ workshop by ‘Stories and Beyond’ on the 26th of May, 2024 at Koelbel Library in Greenwood Village, CO.
What is ‘Reading by Doing’ all about?
The energy was heightened as the doors opened to the first-ever "Reading by Doing" workshop hosted by Stories and Beyond. This innovative event was designed to blend the joy of storytelling with hands-on creativity, aiming to foster a love for reading among children through interactive and immersive experiences. The event witnessed its success when both the young attendees and their parents eagerly anticipated the next session.
As the children arrived, they were greeted by a vibrant display of books and decorations that set the tone for a day filled with adventure and creativity. The centerpiece of the workshop was the beloved book, "The Quiltmaker's Gift" by Jeff Brumbeau. This beautifully illustrated story about a generous quiltmaker and a greedy king provided the perfect foundation for the day's activities.
Check out the book review here
Engaging Storytime
The workshop kicked off with a lively reading session. The storyteller, animated and engaging, brought the characters of "The Quiltmaker's Gift" to life, capturing the imagination of every child in the room. The kids listened intently, their eyes wide with wonder as they followed the quiltmaker’s journey of generosity and kindness. This story, rich with moral lessons, was an ideal choice to inspire young minds.
Hands-On Creativity: Miniature Quilt Making
Following the storytime, the children were invited to participate in a hands-on activity: making their own miniature quilts. This activity was thoughtfully designed to be both fun and educational, allowing the children to express their creativity while connecting with the story they had just heard.
Tables were set up with colorful fabric squares, needles, thread, and various decorative items. The children, guided by friendly volunteers, enthusiastically dove into the task. As they glued the patches to their mini quilts, they chatted about the story, discussing their favorite parts and the lessons they learned. This interactive element not only reinforced the narrative but also provided a tangible connection to the book's themes of giving and creativity.
Exploring the Exhibition
In addition to the hands-on activity, there was an exhibition featuring a variety of children’s books and quilts. This exhibition served as an inspiring backdrop to the workshop, showcasing beautiful quilts that ranged from traditional to contemporary designs. The children were fascinated by the intricate patterns and vibrant colors, sparking their curiosity and creativity.
Parents and children alike browsed through the exhibition, discovering new books and appreciating the artistry of quilt-making. The exhibition also included a special section where the children’s miniature quilts were displayed, allowing the kids to proudly show off their creations before taking them home as souvenirs.
A Day of Discovery and Delight
They left with not only their handmade quilts but also a newfound appreciation for reading and storytelling. The combination of listening to a captivating story, engaging in a creative activity, and exploring an inspiring exhibition made for a memorable experience.
Looking Ahead: what our calendar in future looks like
The team at Stories and Beyond is thrilled with the positive response and is already planning future workshops. We plan to devise a diverse set of activities around the books to cater to different age groups and interests so that we can bring the love of reading to more kids at more venues.
By far, the "Reading by Doing" workshop by Stories and Beyond has proven to be an innovative and effective way to promote literacy and creativity among children. By combining the magic of storytelling with hands-on activities, this workshop has created a joyful and educational experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the young participants. As the children went home with their miniature quilts and a story to cherish, it was clear that this was just the beginning of many more enriching adventures to come.
