(Left:) Darren McIntyre, with his son Braxton, right, and daughter Bryer, left; and (right:) Kiara Howse with her daughter Daisy taking in the Storywalk on Friday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Eye on education

Storywalk event a step forward in early years literacy

Sep 26, 2022 | 2:29 PM

Young families in the Battlefords had an opportunity to help their kids improve their literacy skills Friday during Storywalk.

About 170 people attended the event at the Kinsmen Park in North Battleford, where about 15 pages from the book, Buffalo Wild! were displayed individually on signs. Parents read aloud each of the pages to their children as they walked along the path, seeing the story develop.

Buffalo Wild! illustrator Azby Whitecalf was also on hand during the event to sign copies of the book.

The event was organized by the Battlefords Early Childhood Community Planning Network, which is comprised of a number of early childhood organizations. Copies of Buffalo Wild! for Friday’s event were donated by KidsFirst.

Battlefords Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) executive director Colleen Sabraw said several Storywalks were held this year in the area. This is the first one for the fall. Organizers also hope to have an event in the winter as well.

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“I think the more we can get books into families’ homes, agencies and libraries to share with children and families, the more accessible the literacy we have in our community for young people,” Sabraw said.

Dad Darren McIntyre took part in the event with his kids, saying it was a fun new experience for the family.

“The kids were pretty interested because they got to walk around and have the book read to them,” he said. “They are enjoying it a lot more, walking around, finding the next page.”

Elaine Sonmor, a family resource facilitator at the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said the event is a good way for families with young children to see the story and illustrations first-hand, and then take home a copy of the book at the end of the walk.

“We’re grateful because Azby [Whitecalf] is signing books for everybody who comes as well,” Sonmor said. “She has also created some colouring pages from the illustrations from her book that the children are getting to experience as part of the event.”

Living Sky School Division Early Learning Consultant Rachel Florence believes Storywalk is an ideal program to get families with young children reading more together.

“It’s great way to get kids and families out to read and share stories,” she said. “It’s a great way to grow together.”

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW