- The Little Pirates literacy programme at Claremont Library combined storytelling with a treasure hunt to inspire young learners.
- Grade R and Grade 0 children developed comprehension and teamwork skills while enjoying fun, interactive activities.
- This creative initiative emphasised the importance of early literacy and fostering a love for reading.
The Little Pirates of smart steps academy set sail on a journey of discovery at the Claremont Library on Tuesday 3 December, taking part in the reading programme, an initiative designed to inspire young learners through the power of stories, teamwork and exploration.
This month-long programme saw local Grade R and Grade 0 learners embark on a literacy adventure, combining storytelling with a fun-filled treasure hunt.
“The programme aims not only to foster a love for reading but also to develop comprehension and critical thinking skills in a creative, hands-on way,” says academy principal Iram Abrahams.
Teachers were provided with six engaging books to read to their learners over the course of the programme.
Each story included clues that the children would need to remember for a treasure hunt at the end.
Nuhaa Portland, library assistant, spoke about the significance of early literacy. “Literacy lays the foundation for all other learning, and programmes like this allow our children to explore the joy of reading while developing their language skills. It’s not just about knowing words, it’s about learning to connect with stories, ask questions and use their imagination,” she said.
The culmination of the programme was the highly anticipated treasure hunt, which took place outside the library.
“We wanted to bring the stories to life. The children followed a trail marked with X’s and solved riddles at each station. The riddles were linked to the stories they read, encouraging them to recall the details and think critically as a team,” explained Portland.
Hidden treasure
Librarians dressed as pirates guided the children along the trail.
At each riddle station, a pirate librarian would appear, posing a challenge that the children could only overcome by solving the riddle.
The excitement grew as the children worked together to reach the final destination: a hidden treasure chest filled with gold coins, and pirate-themed bookmarks.
The treasure hunt provided not only a chance for fun and adventure but also an opportunity for children to practise cooperation, problem-solving and listening skills.
Nuhaa shared the importance of such programmes. “The joy of seeing the children’s faces light up during the hunt is something we can’t measure in books alone. It’s about creating lasting memories and showing them the many ways reading can be fun and interactive.”
The Little Pirates programme also emphasised teamwork between teachers, librarians, and the wider community.
The collaboration was key in bringing this literacy adventure to life.
