Sharjah 24:
The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair has introduced a unique initiative that integrates physical activity with storytelling, offering young visitors an enriching experience. From November 15, children attending the fair have the opportunity to engage in interactive sessions designed to connect reading and the exploration of human anatomy through fitness.
A Fusion of Storytelling and Movement
Among the five interactive activities held in the “Fitness and Health District,” the session titled “Your Body Tells a Story” captured the imagination of participants aged between 8 to 10. In this engaging workshop, children listened to a reading of “The Busy Body Book” and then participated in a series of exercises inspired by different body functions. Exercises included star jumps, warrior and chair poses for the heart, lung-breathing techniques, and strength-building planks, boats, and bridges. The session concluded with relaxation exercises to help the children unwind and process their activities.
Creative Comfort with Weighted Friends
Another notable workshop, “The Weighted Hug Buddy,” allowed participants aged 8 to 17 to create stuffed animals from fabric. They selected ready-made covers and filled them with plastic beads to reach a precise weight before sealing them. This activity introduced children to the concept of using weight and distributed pressure as tools for comfort and relaxation.
A Colourful Galaxy in a Bag
The “Sparkling World in a Bag” workshop encouraged children and youth to craft tactile stress balls filled with colourful materials. Participants chose from an array of glitter, small beads, dried flowers, and paper stars, which were placed inside balloons or clear bags filled with gel before being securely sealed. The children enjoyed the sensory experience of pressing on the bags and moving the contents around to see the colours and shapes blend and settle.
Hands-On Mindfulness with Clay
In the “Create Your Calm: A Reminder for Mindfulness” workshop, children aged 8 to 10 discovered breathing exercises while shaping clay. They learned to focus on their senses, creating small personal sculptures that would serve as reminders of the importance of taking breaks and maintaining tranquillity in their lives.
Expressing Emotions with String Art
For older participants aged 11 to 17, the “Words in Thread” workshop transformed personal feelings and attributes into art. Using wooden boards, they hammered nails to outline letters and then wrapped colourful threads around them to create visually striking representations of words like “Joy,” “Brave,” or even their names. This creative outlet allowed them to express themselves through art while developing fine motor skills.
These activities are part of the children and youth programme at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, which encompasses a wide range of interactive workshops and activities across health, fitness, art, science, and creative industries. The events aim to provide participants with hands-on experiences and direct learning opportunities, fostering new skills through creativity and enjoyment.