Christie Ade Ajayi facts for kids

Christie Ade Ajayi (born in 1930) is a Nigerian expert in teaching young children. She has written many English books for kids. Her stories are special because they are set in Nigeria. This helps young readers connect with the characters and places. Besides teaching for a long time, she has also worked with many groups that help children and improve education.

About Christie Ade Ajayi

Her Early Life and Education

Christie Aduke Martins was born on March 13, 1930, in Ile Oluji, Ondo State, Nigeria. She later became known as Christie Ade Ajayi. She went to Kudeti Girls' School in Ibadan, which is now called St. Anne's School. After that, she trained to be a teacher at United Missionary College in Ibadan.

She also studied in London at the Froebel Institute. In 1958, she earned a special diploma in Child Development from the Institute of Education.

Her Teaching Career

From 1952 to 1978, Christie Ade Ajayi taught in many schools. She taught in Nigeria and even for a while in London. She became a headmistress, which is like a principal. In 1971, she went to San Jose State University in California. There, she earned another diploma in leading elementary schools.

In 1956, she married J. F. Ade Ajayi. They had five children together. People who knew her family describe her as a very friendly person. They also remember their home as a welcoming place.

Her Books for Children

Christie Ade Ajayi's experience teaching young children made her care deeply about what Nigerian kids needed to learn. She wanted to help preschoolers and new readers. Her goal was to give them books that showed their own lives and culture. By reading stories with West African characters, children could learn new words. They could also improve their reading skills while having fun.

Some of her well-known books include:

• Ade, our naughty little brother, published in 1974
• The old story-teller, published in 1975 (This book was inspired by old Yoruba folktales.)
• Akin goes to school, written with Michael Crowder in 1978
• Ali's bicycle, published in 1982
• Emeka's dog, published in 1982
• The book of animal riddles, published in 1982
• Pictionary, published in 1986
• Which Way, Amina?, published in 2001
• The Big Yellow House, published in 2004

An Expert in Education

Christie Ade Ajayi has held many important roles in groups that focus on education. These roles show her dedication to helping children learn.

Her leadership positions include:

• She started the Ibadan branch of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP) in 1986. This group helps young children around the world. As an honorary member, she helped host their big meeting in Lagos in 2009.
• She was the Chairman of the Nursery School Board at the University of Lagos.
• She worked as a consultant for Early Childhood Education at the University of Ibadan.
• She was a member of the Board of Governors at the University of Lagos from 1972 to 1978.
• She also served on the Board of Governors for St. Mary's Girls School in Ikole-Ekiti from 1976 to 1980.

In 1993, she wrote an article for the International Journal of Early Childhood. It was about how different international groups work together. Her article focused on community development programs in Nigeria.