On 1 September 2017 in Quezon City, Philippines, UNAWE Ambassador Rheanne Jimeno and fellow organisers hosted a workshop for local children. The kids made stories about the autumn sky, which will be compiled into a book at the local library. This project was made possible with a limited budget of less than 15 euros.
The goal of the workshop was to familiarise the children with the night sky and spark their creativity to make their own stories and constellations. The children worked in groups to make stories for the constellations they created.
“Hopefully, when they are outside on a clear night, they will be able to recognise the constellations that were taught to them and the 'constellations' they created,” says UNAWE Ambassador Rheanne.
The stories will be compiled into a book, so that kids that couldn’t attend the workshop, will be able to enjoy them at the local library.
Rheanne and her fellow organisers were thankful for the results from their efforts. Together they created an activity, provided guidance, activity materials and some food for the children from their barangay (barrio or district). “The barangay officer was grateful because activities like this are rare in these regions, and asked us to visit again in the future.”
The event was funded by Rheanne Jimeno, who coordinated with the barangay for the venue, and made worksheets and giveaways. Margarette Rosario made the visuals for storytelling and facilitated Group A. Kenneth Bailador bought food for the kids, brainstormed for the program, helped coordinate for the venue, and facilitated Group B. Mark Mendoza brainstormed for the program and facilitated Group C. Bernadette Joy Detera facilitated Group D.
Full activity description: Making Stories From The Skies
With her fellow organisers, UNAWE Ambassador Rheanne Jimeno narrated the story of the constellations from the autumn sky to the children. The children learned about the story of the constellations Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Perseus, and Cetus.
While the story was being narrated, these constellations were traced on an illustration board for the children to visualise them more. Questions were asked as the story goes by to ensure engagement from the children and rewards were given to those who gave correct answers.
After the storytelling, the children were grouped according to their ages. In the youngest group, each kid was given a worksheet containing an image of the winter sky. They traced the stars and made their own constellations from them.
For the older groups, the kids were given one large worksheet for the whole group. They were asked to trace their own constellations on it but this time around they will make a story about the constellations that each of them traced. They shared their work to the other groups afterwards.
The organisers considered the project a success because the children were happy throughout the activity, and they were able to find opportunities for improving the activity. “Some kids found it hard to visualise patterns from the skies and make stories about them. The kids needed more time for brainstorming, with more guiding questions while making their own constellations and stories.”
The creations from the children will be compiled to produce a book/booklet from them. This book will be made available in the local library so that their work will be immortalised and that the kids who weren't able to attend will see their works as well.
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