Hands-On Learning
Reading program teaches youngsters about Diné culture

Trevor James,left, shakes hands with MasanÌ Yazzie, one of Jannalee Atcitty's (Miss Navajo Nation) puppets at the Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise in Window Rock Friday afternoon. (Photo by John A. Bowersmith/Independent)

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise had a visit from Che and Masan Yazzie on Friday with the help of Miss Navajo Nation Jannalee Atcitty, or at least, from her hands anyway.

Atcitty brought the two puppets, designed to look like an elderly Navajo couple, along to help her read a book to a small audience in the store on Friday.

She reads in both Navajo and English.

Atcitty and the Yazzies are launching a new literacy program using Native American-theme children's books to lure kids of all ages into reading and sharing.

"Kids want to talk and be listened to," Atcitty said.

Each Friday, until the end of her reign, Atcitty will host a reading program at a NACE store on the Navajo Nation or at the Navajo Nation Museum.

While Native American-theme books were less common when Atcitty was young, she said the abundant availability of them now have multiple benefits.

Most Native American-theme books often include cultural moral or the roles of family members and medicine men.

"It teaches a lot for kids," she said, "(such as) importance of culture and being proud of where you come from."

Atcitty, who said she also reads children's books for pleasure and plans to write one this year, said the two handmade puppets and their upcoming family, will help kids express themselves and their thoughts through projection.

"With these puppets, it's a good way for children to show interest in issues they (don't feel comfortable talking about themselves)," she said.

Atcitty said she wanted to address current events in a positive way with kids and on holidays, have hands-on projects as well.

The idea for the program came from a class Atcitty took while studying elementary education before her crowing.

NACE, the sponsor for the program, is offering discounts on the books Atcitty reads during her program.

"We'll benefit both ways," said Jennifer Lizer, store manager for NACE in Window Rock. "It'll keep kids interested in reading and show the beautiful books out there."

For more information on the literacy program, call Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise at (928) 871-4090 or Tonya Jim, Office of Miss Navajo Nation, at (928) 871-7250.

— To contact reporter Pam Dempsey call (505) 879-1707 or email pamelagdempsey@msn.com