In Northern West Virginia, a delightful program unfolded, bringing smiles and laughter to families through the magic of storytelling and play. WV Birth to Three RAU One recently held two enchanting Storywalk events as part of their Brown Bear Storywalk program, engaging children and parents in Wheeling and Morgantown.
In Wheeling, the event was a resounding success, with 12 dedicated practitioners and RAU One staff welcoming 19 adults and 22 children. Morgantown echoed this success, with 14 practitioners and RAU One staff hosting 6 adults and 8 children. The practitioners, who generously volunteered their time and expertise, organized a series of captivating and developmentally appropriate activities centered around the beloved book “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” by Eric Carle.
Children eagerly followed bear paw prints to various stations, each offering a unique and engaging activity. They read the story together, crawled through tunnels, tossed rings on cones, blew bubbles, fished for magnetic fish, played matching games with ducks, and dug through beans to find feathers to glue onto bird pictures. The excitement was palpable as children immersed themselves in these activities, their faces lighting up with each new discovery.
As families completed the Storywalk, they received bags of goodies to continue the fun at home. One little boy was so thrilled with his bag that he sat at the exit, eagerly sorting through each item and exclaiming, “Wow!” with every new find. His joy was a testament to the event’s success and the happiness it brought to each child.
The impact of the Storywalk extended beyond the activities. Families expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm for the program. Emily and Christopher Cawthon, parents of twin boys who attended, shared, “The boys had a blast, thank you for doing it! Have a great summer!” Another parent noted, “The children had a great time! It helped that there was a familiar face there.”
These Storywalk events highlighted the power of community, dedication, and the joy of learning through play. WV Birth to Three RAU One’s commitment to fostering development and family engagement shone brightly, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved. As the children and families left with smiles, laughter, and bags full of goodies, the true success of the Storywalk was evident: a day of joy, connection, and lasting memories.
