Literacy – Discovering the World Through Books
Throughout October, I am dedicating a full month to the theme of literacy with KidsKultur. This involves much more than just reading and writing. My goal is to provide children with a holistic understanding of literacy and to show them how we make sense of the world through language, text, images, shapes, and symbols.
A unique aspect of my work is that I use literature intended for adults in my workshops. I personally curate the books used, carefully assessing their educational suitability and ensuring the content is appropriate for children aged six to eight.
During both visits, my aim is to foster a connection with printed books, paper, and the written word. I want children to handle the books, discover their physical qualities, and understand how a bookstore is organized. How do you find a specific book? How do you search for a topic that interests you? And how do you strike up a conversation with the staff, ask questions, and seek advice? For me, these experiences are also part of literacy, as they enable children to navigate the world of books and knowledge with increasing independence.
Furthermore, I aim to make literacy tangible through sensory and hands-on projects. For instance, the children engage with graphic design, shapes, letters, language, and symbols. They discover how letters turn into words, how shapes form characters, and how images and symbols convey meaning. Through creating, experimenting, and trying things out for themselves, they learn that communication takes many forms and that reading and writing are part of a much broader cultural experience.
Mind, Body & Soul
My work is guided by my "Mind, Body & Soul" concept. These three areas are interconnected; only by combining thought, practical action, and self-reflection can I offer children a holistic approach to literacy. Mind – Discover and Understand
Mind- Discover new and exciting topics through adult literature.
- Learn how a bookstore is organized and how to find books and information.
- Understand how text, language, graphics, and symbols convey meaning.
- Ask questions, recognize connections, and develop your own ideas.
- Explore diverse perspectives.
Body – Creative Movement*
- Experience books and paper with all your senses.
- Explore various shapes and materials.
- Gain new experiences through movement and by exploring the surroundings.*
Soul – Reflect and Express
- Short meditation and journey of the imagination.
- Capture and present experiences in a personal sketchbook.
- Draw, experiment, and develop your own forms of expression.
- Connect perceptions with your own thoughts and experiences.
- Build confidence in your ideas and experience a sense of self-efficacy.
Dates:
October 17, 2026: Walther König Bookstore at Museum Island.
October 24, 2026: Bücherbogen at Savignyplatz.
*The proximity to the Freeletics area at the Bode Museum allows us to combine the visit with movement and an outdoor activity. We also make use of the nearby green space to complement the day's impressions through movement and playful activities.
