Many of the dozens of children attending the Children’s Literary Festival couldn’t read, but the activities led by volunteers of the Children’s Museum of St. Croix didn’t require knowing their letters but taught valuable lessons to children of all ages.
Outside on the huge lawn, games were set up that encouraged kids to run, jump, stretch and get their hands dirty.
Inside, games were set up in four rooms, including a coral display that encouraged kids to make coral and sea fans from clay. In another room, the construction zone, long and short pieces of lumber and wheels were available to make vehicles and houses.
During the event, local authors read children’s books to the group. Shanarae Matthew read her mother, Charlene Abramson Joseph’s book, The Vienna Cake Mystery and Winnie Oyoko Loving read her book, My Name is Freedom.
Danica David read Angela Golden Bryan’s book, Island Alphabet, Discovering the VI Letter by Letter, illustrated by students at Ricardo Richards Elementary School. Brin Goldman also read her alphabet book.
Other Crucian authors who read their books included Alcess Lewis Brown, Torhera Durand and Diana Collingwood.
Ellie Hirsh, one of the Museum’s founders, said literacy is a major issue across the country and in the territory.
“And research tells us that the majority of students are not on level by third grade. It’s very difficult for them to catch up,” she said. “And so we at the Children’s Museum, we want to promote the total child” with a variety of fun, learning programs.
