FUJAIRAH // Special needs pupils at a Fujairah school have a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips, with 2,000 Arabic-language books designed to help them develop their skills.
The 71 Emirati children at Fujairah Rehabilitation Centre have small libraries in their classrooms or special reading corners as part of an initiative for the Year of Reading.
“We use books to build the children’s skills and abilities,” said Najat Darwish, head of the reading initiative. “Some of them have improved their reading skills and started to read a whole sentence instead of only few letters or words.
“Most of the children have become more social and confident, as reading books and stories out loud has helped to increase their self-esteem.
Ayshah Al Najar, manager of the centre, said the school also ran reading competitions.
“We have 15 classrooms and there are small libraries in each class,” Ms Al Najar said. “We added two reading corners, one called the train of knowledge and another shaped like a tree, with books representing the fruits of knowledge.
“We have organised many reading competitions and initiatives that require the help of parents by making them involved in the reading process, as we hand them books and stories to read for their children.”
The centre also has a library trolley that visits each class every week, allowing children to pick their own books.
“Each student will have the chance to choose a book they like and all the books are picked carefully and designed in a special and simply way,” said Ms Al Najar.
The centre has areas for autistic children, those with mental disabilities and those with several disabilities.
“Each section has its special way to involve the children in the reading activities,” said Ms Al Najar. “For example, some autistic children can’t join a reading group so the teacher reads for each one individually.”
Shaikha Al Marshoudi said she enjoyed reading and being near books.
"I love to read. My favourite book is called Me and My Brother," said Shaikha, 14, who has physical and mental disabilities.
Her teacher, Fatima Al Swraidi, said her pupil had developed her reading skills well this year.
“Shaikha is one of my students who joined the centre nine years ago,” Ms Al Swraidi said. “She used to know only six letters but reading to her encouraged her to learn all the letters and now she can read a sentence, which is a huge progress.”
The books were provided by the Ministry of Education or bought by the centre.
rhaza@thenational.ae
