Physical activity is important for children and adults of all ages.
Being active as a family can benefit everyone.
Add StoryWalk to your family summer activity list this year.
StoryWalk was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont. Her idea was to laminate the pages from a childrens story book and place them on stakes along a walking path for children and adults to read together. As you stroll down the path reading, you and your family can get multiple benefits from this activity.
Reading out loud
Whether you read to your child, your child reads to you, or you take turns, it expands a childs interest in books.
It also increases vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and attention span.
Communication and listening skills are also developed when discussing pictures in the book, what is going on in the story, and predicting what might happen next.
Relationship building
Besides being educational, reading books together can strengthen the bond between the child and parent, grandparent, or caregiver. Spending frequent, brief amounts of time involved in child-preferred activities is one of the most powerful things parents can do to connect with their children.
Get outside
Studies have shown cognitive function and mood improvement occurs when children and adults spend time in nature.
