Last year we helped make Christmas possible for the families at the WIN Shelter in East New York. On Saturday, February 21, we returned to the homeless shelter with a different mission: to engage the children in a fun and educational day of activities. Armed with 114 children’s books donated by chapter members, 11 chapter Sorors set up a “reading room” for the youngest children in the WIN facility.
We divided the 11 children, ages 5 to 8 (a perfect 1:1 ratio!) into small groups and allowed them to select books they wanted to read. The books covered every topic under the sun – educational, cultural, classic stories, activity books – and we’re so thankful to our awesome Sorors for their donations! After we read a couple books to the small groups, discussing the stories as we went along, we spent individual one-on-one time with the children and made them read to us. Many of the children were excellent readers, but it was great to be able to give personalized attention to those who needed help.
When the kids got restless, we took a break and played Simon Says and Mother May I? Many of the kids had never heard of Mother May I? so it was wonderful to introduce them to something new. (Some of us learned something new as well when one of our seasoned Sorors introduced the “umbrella step”!)
We ended the day with a Black History Month celebration – an African Dance class taught by Soror Jasmine Poole. The children were excited to don their African cloth accessories and learn the steps! Even one little boy who insisted that he didn’t (and wouldn’t) dance couldn’t resist and joined in on the fun. The children were so proud of what they’d learned that they insisted on performing their dance to an audience. We were only too happy to oblige and pulled some residents, parents and staff members to sit in on the show.
We had a fantastic day at WIN and look forward to doing it again!