Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

A StoryWalk® encourages reading by placing pages of a children’s picture book along a popular walking trail. It’s literally a walk in the park! Walk with your kids, read the story and do the activities along the way. Young children will have fun with the activities and the story while getting some physical activity.

MacLennan Park
at Cedar Crest

Collins
Park

Ted Ensley
Gardens

As part of the American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read program the library encourages parents and caregivers to interact with their children through singing, talking, reading, writing and playing. These activities are included in the StoryWalk®.

1. Talking: Your child learns the language they hear around them. Share new words with them and encourage them to join in the conversation.
2. Singing: Rhymes, fingerplays and songs slow down language to allow your child to hear smaller (and unique) sounds of words.
3. Reading: Your child learns new words and how language works when you read. Read with excitement and change your voice. Read wherever you are – the signs on the road or at the grocery store.
4. Writing: Point out the printed letters in your child’s name. Encourage scribbles, squiggles, drawing and writing.
5. Playing: Play is the best way for children to learn because they are active learners.

How Was Your StoryWalk®?

Please share your StoryWalk® experience on social media with comments or photos using the hashtag #StoryWalkTopeka and complete the quick survey below.

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian coalition and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library acknowledges their effort and appreciates their willingness to make it available in communities everywhere.

StoryWalk® is a partnership between the Shawnee County Parks & Recreation and the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.