Promoting literacy at MacBain Centre
Cool temperatures didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of organizers of the StoryWalk at MacBain Community Centre.
They just brought the fun indoors.
Originally, large pages from the children’s book Grumpy Bird, by Canadian author and illustrator Jeremy Tankard, were to be mounted on stakes along the recreational trail at the community centre Sunday to promote literacy and outdoor physical activity.
The early morning rain and chilly temperatures, however, led to a change of plans and the walk was moved inside.
While the location changed, the premise remained the same.
Each page of the book included questions to encourage discussion and strengthen children’s literacy development, said Laura Martin, community development and programming librarian.
“So as you’re making your way through the story, the questions will spark conversation within the family,” she said.
“It’s a great way to get families reading together and getting outside together.”
The event was hosted by the library in partnership with various organizations at the Montrose Road community centre including United Way of Niagara Falls and Greater Fort Erie.
“We’re a community partner and our office is here so we’re delighted to participate,” said Carol StewartKirkby of the United Way.
Activities included an interactive play program and crafts and all children left with a free book.
“Our focus was for this to be a physically active day for the kids and also to incorporate literacy,” said Donna Dalgleish of the Ontario Early Years Centre.
Organizers chose April 30 because YMCA of Niagara Falls was also celebrating Healthy Kids Day.
The event also had a Canadian flavour in celebration of the country’s upcoming 150th birthday and the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls offered free servings of a Canada 150 cake.
The StoryWalk Project was created in 2007 by Anne Ferguson, a specialist in chronic disease prevention in Vermont.
StoryWalk kits can be borrowed free of charge from Niagara Falls Public Library. Each kit contains a complete book as well as resource material.
There are currently four titles to choose from, including Grumpy
Bird, and additional books will be added in the future.
“The kits are available to anyone in the Niagara region,” Martin said.
“If you are in Welland, you can book a kit and it will be delivered to the Welland library branch for you.”
StoryWalks are held in 11 countries around the world including England, Russia and Malaysia.