Area children had the chance to combine summertime fun and the chance to learn new words during a literacy event hosted by professors and students with the Longwood Communication and Science Disorders and Moton Museum Saturday, Nov. 4,.

During the event, which had the theme “Under the Sea,” children got to play “Beach Ball Words,” where they got to a catch a beach ball and think of words that started with a letter on the ball.

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Activities also included “fishing for words,” where children caught different sentences using toy fishing rods and magnets and got to toss toy balls into a wooden shark mouth.

Each child got a free book during the event.

Dr. Ronda Walker with the Department of Social Work & Communication Sciences Disorders said the event was headed by students in the department who got to put the knowledge that they’ve learned about children’s, literacy and reading styles into practice during the event.

“I am very impressed by everything they have done,” Walker said.

For both the students and children, it wasn’t all work. Many of the students embraced the underwater theme by dressing in fish, octopus and mermaid costumes.

Katy Pugh, a student with the department, said the different stations and activities focused on expanding the kids’ vocabulary.

Hannah Auerbach with the department said she was happy to see the kids having fun.

“The kids are pretty adorable and we’re glad to see the turnout despite the rain,” Auerbach said.

Museum Director of Education & Public Programs Cainan Townsend said in a statement the importance of literacy and the collaboration between community organizations to further growth.

“It was great to have the opportunity to house the Literacy Fair for the second year in a row at Moton,” Townsend said. “Turnout was fantastic and I think it highlights many of the community partnerships taking place in Farmville. Literacy is extremely important in this community and it is great to see it being a priority.”