This is a first. The distribution took place at the Louise-Michel school and not at the media library. An experience praised for its warm atmosphere conducive to the attention of little ones.
For this educational and cultural event, Tuesday December 10, Annie Kinas, elected delegate for education and childhood of Martigues, with Valérie Morel, academic inspector of National Education, accompanied in the morning, Martine Rodriguez and Marie- Emmanuelle Rénier, facilitators of the Louis-Aragon media library, Annick Pietri and Huguette Prati of the Martega association Lire et Faire Lire.
Michèle Boule, coordinator of this Martigues association, recalls the history of this initiative: “In 2011, Yolande Vignal and I set up Lire et Faire Lire in Martigues. At the end of 2015, Yolande proposed to the elected representative for culture that the end-of-year gifts offered to kindergarteners by the town hall should be books rather than toys. And so, the first distribution took place at the end of 2017.” Martine specifies: “LThe choice of books is led by a commission bringing together elected officials, National Education inspectors, booksellers and volunteers from the Lire et Faire Lire association, making it a point of honor to offer quality books, often by French authors..”
The students left with a book
This moment of literary magic was orchestrated by the hosts of the Louis-Aragon media library, transformed into Santa’s elves, Martine and Marie-Emmanuelle, nicknamed Cracotte and Bidule. Armed with a kamishibai – a small Japanese wooden theater – and a ukulele, they captivated the children with stories and nursery rhymes. “This year, coming to schools allowed us to take more time with the students. It’s less racing and much more festive.”explains Marie-Emmanuelle. “Reading to children and giving them a book remains a magical moment, year after year.”confides Huguette Prati, reader for the association.
At the end of the day, the director of the Louise-Michel school, Guylaine Normand, rejoices: “It was a pleasure to see the children, their teachers and our agents delighted by these readings. The internal organization was worth it!“In a large section class, Ryan and Lyliza tell about their crush:”We loved the story of Santa with a cold, it was so funny!“After chanting”And one, and two, and three, Kamishibaï shut up“, the students left with their carefully wrapped books. At home, these treasures of stories will extend the magic of Christmas and perhaps the first seeds of a lasting love of reading.
Lire et Faire Lire is an association which allows us to share readings every week with children from schools in Martigues. Contacts: [email protected] et [email protected]. 06 52 30 46 16.
