Elementary School Children in Stoughton, MA Learn About Komodo Through Book & Storytelling

Stoughton, 05/15/2019 – The Indonesian Community of New England, Inc. (ICONE) introduced Komodo dragon - the largest lizard in the world that only can be found in Komodo Island in Indonesia - to the elementary students in Massachusetts through book and storytelling. Supported by the Education and Cultural Attaché office at Embassy of Republic Indonesia in Washington D.C., this initiative is part of ICONE's Indonesian Storytelling Tour program that aims at introducing and promoting the richness of Indonesian values, culture, and biodiversity to children in New England through stories and children books at local schools and libraries.

Our volunteer, Poppy Mulligan, read aloud a playful book titled “Dear Komodo Dragon” written by Nancy Kelly Allen at the Richard L. Wilkins Elementary School in Stoughton, Massachusetts. The students attentively listened to the amusing story about a little girl named Leslie and her real-life Komodo dragon pen-pal Komo. As pen-pals, the two characters learned about the things they both liked and how different their lives were. Initially wanted to be a dragon hunter when she grew up, Leslie changed her mind after learning that Komodo dragons are endangered species and her pen pal Komo is one of the only few left in the world. In the end, Leslie promised to protect all Komodo dragons and spread the word that they should not be poached or hunted.

From the book, the students learned that Komodo dragons are indigenous to Indonesia and also learned about their life cycle, physical and behavioral traits. At the end of the read-aloud session, the students eagerly asked questions about Komodo dragons, including whether they like to eat or attack humans. For their further reading, two Indonesian storybooks were donated to the class library.

Our special thanks to the school principal, Dr. Lisa Wheelan, and the kindergarten homeroom teacher, Ms. Kelly Fahey, for their support in making this storytelling session happened.

While we are working on the next storytelling events, please check out the following books from your local library and let your friends and families know about them.

    • Dear Komodo Dragon” by Nancy Kelly Allen.
    • Indonesian Children's Favorite Stories” by Joan Suyenaga.
    • Balinese Children's Favorite Stories” by Victor Mason.
    • I is for Indonesia” by Elizabeth Rush.
    • Tari: The Little Balinese Dancer” by Pamela Noensie and Garretta Lamore.
    • Go to Sleep, Gecko!” by Margaret Read MacDonald.

If you'd like to participate or volunteer in our future storytelling events, please email us at contact@icone-inc.org or dhanni.setyaning@icone-inc.org.  Thank you.

 


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Indonesian Community of New England, Inc.