In several previous posts, we have commented on the benefits of reading early and often to children. Unfortunately, many children do not have sufficient reading opportunities early in life.
Another area lacking for many children is adequate exercise and play time. This is a contributing factor to the childhood obesity problem throughout the United States.
I recently noticed a local news story from Connecticut containing a great idea to address both of these needs at the same time.
The article describes how the library set up pages from a children’s book around the walking path at one of the local parks. This was done as part of a regional program that encourages parents to read to their children more frequently.
“Pages from ‘The Big Storm: A Very Soggy Counting Book,’ the book selected for the regional reading program, were placed on posts around the park’s walking track. Starting at the park’s playground, parents can walk the half-mile route with their children and read from the individually mounted pages as they exercise.”
This sounds like a great way to spend some quality time with a child – reading and getting a little exercise.
