by Anna Stehling & Norma Fultz
StoryWalk™ is a site activation activity which encourages children and families to walk together while they read a children’s book. As part of a StoryWalk™, a children’s book is taken apart, and the pages are each secured to a sign that is placed along a designated walking path in the community, oftentimes in a park. A StoryWalk™ is a great option for anyone that is interested in activating a space in their community to promote physical activity.
A StoryWalk™ program can be created with simple, affordable materials, and it can provide an opportunity and an environment to develop healthy daily habits. According to the CDC Active People Healthy Nation initiative, regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of at least 20 chronic diseases and conditions.
The process of creating a StoryWalk™ program includes but is not limited to: establishing a goal, identifying potential partners, obtaining permission and support from affected groups, creating a site plan, choosing books and display types, ordering materials, preparing and assembling the materials, installing the displays, and planning the feedback process.
