Literacy for Dominican-Haitian Youth in the Batey

Our literacy program constantly explores new teaching strategies and games to inspire children to continue progressing in reading fluency. While we utilize the books available in our learning center library, we also seek innovative methods beyond traditional approaches. This comes after ensuring students have mastered all the phonemes of the method.

Acquiring new vocabulary is an essential aspect of fluency development. When done through games, we enhance their vocabulary and stimulate brain development and imagination.

Jenga is among the favorite games of children aged 8 to 12 in Batey Libertad. This game involves stacking wooden pieces to form a tower, with each player taking turns removing a piece and placing it on top without causing the tower to collapse. Engaging in this game aids in developing skills such as concentration and fine motor skills.

The strategy devised by Yspaniola teachers involves adding words to the wooden pieces. Thus, the challenge doubles as players must not only remove a piece without causing the tower to fall but also read the word on it. Our children exude enthusiasm and enjoy playing "word Jenga."

Following the game, teachers gather the children in the classroom to review the new words they've encountered. These words are written down and illustrated, reinforcing their meaning.

Witnessing our students' progress brings us immense joy, but above all, we are driven by their joyful and motivated learning experiences. We extend our gratitude for your support in making this possible.

Before the pandemic, on top of teaching the children of Batey Libertad, Yspaniola offered reading and writing classes to students of said community that needed it most. Many of these children lived in zones close to the batey, meaning they hugely benefited from this program.