BUDDING writers from Westminster Junior Primary School have launched two picture books as part of the school’s four-year tradition at Mirrabooka Library.
A Year 2 and 3 class researched and drew illustrations for the books, The Fascinating History of Astronomy and 20 Extraordinary Stories, which will be kept at the school and at Wadjak Northside Aboriginal Community Group.
Indigenous education assistant Tammy Loo said the students’ work was beyond expectation.
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READ NOW“We try a different variety of techniques and a lot of this is done with chalks and rubbing but also just imagination so we tried to all different things to engage them,” she said.
“I think we underestimate the ability for young children to take in this knowledge and absorb it and be able to use it, but what I really love is using this to find their place in the universe.”
Ms Loo said Year 2-3 teacher Lis Mathiasen approached Wadjak Northside Aboriginal Community Group, who endorsed the books to be taught at the group’s centre.
“The written work is done by the students and this is what I teach them and then they have to return what they have learnt in writing and verbally so they actually well and truly know their stuff,” Mrs Mathiasen said.
“This is what we want because very sadly, we now know that Australia is far behind in education and we have to do something to fix it.
“I very much see projects like this as being part of getting children interested in science and history.”
Ms Mathiasen said both books attracted attention from astronomists and other organisations including Scitech.