One exciting project here at Stepping Stones Nigeria, is Read and Write Now! Through this we are training thousands of teachers in synthetic phonics, using the Jolly Phonics scheme. This method of teaching reading and writing has been proven particularly effective for children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and those for whom English is a second language, such as most of the children our partners work with in the Niger Delta.

We are beginning to see children developing their reading and writing skills at a faster pace and that children are more equipped for adult life once they leave school by learning in this way.

We really believe that a better grasp of literacy is essential for improving the opportunities and life chances of vulnerable children and that those who are able to read and write more effectively are more likely to escape the poverty which faces many children. This in turn can reduce a child's chance of being accused of witchcraft or ending up on the streets where they are vulnerable to abuse, rape, crime or trafficking.

How to Help

To take part in this innovative project, we would love you to use these knitting patterns to knit some vibrant puppets. Puppets are great tools for helping children to understand letters and sounds and the bright colours help to keep them engaged.

One of our wonderful volunteers, Carly has created these patterns and is keen to see knitters all over the country having fun and helping vulnerable children in the Niger Delta all at the same time.

The patterns are for knitting in the round with four needles and as normal with two needles although a snake pattern for two needles is yet to be developed. Please do let us know how you get on. If you would like to send your puppets to us so that we can send them to teachers in the Niger Delta, please post them to the address here.

Patterns

Knit with 4 needles                                                   

Bee Puppet                                                              

Mouse Puppet

Snake Puppet

Knit with 2 needles

Bee Puppet

Mouse Puppet

copyright of Carly Hobson