‘Talking is Teaching’: Program launches StoryWalk at Ellis Library & Reference Center
MONROE — Pages from Toledo native Denise Fleming’s “In the Tall, Tall Grass” are featured at the StoryWalk located at Ellis Library & Reference Center, 3700 S. Custer Road.
The Monroe County Great Start Collaborative MCISD Early Childhood Programs in partnership with the Monroe County Library System unveiled the permanent outdoor fixture earlier this month.
The project is part of the “Talking is Teaching” program.
Through talking, reading and singing, MCISD is promoting an early childhood campaign focusing on getting young children ready for school and building a strong foundation for their social-emotional development, health and lifelong learning.
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In addition to program funding, an additional literacy grant for more than $67,000 was awarded from MiLEAP, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (formerly the Michigan Department of Education).
According to Bridgette Halcomb, Great Start Collaborative director, the project is funded by the GSC and offers families the opportunity to walk through the path and read the different stories.
Halcomb said Families can walk through the path and read the different stories while enjoying physical activity and family time outside.
There are 18 metal stands because children's books are typically 32 pages long. Sixteen of the posts are for the pages of book. The first and the last posts are reserved for thank you messages.
Barbra Krueger, Marketing and Community Outreach for the Monroe County Library System, said the Ellis Library will maintain the story stands by putting new stories up periodically.
The youth services staff will help maintain the walk with the help of Stephanie Wintersteen, head of youth services for MCLS and Lori Goins, youth service technician at Ellis.
"I would like to say 'thank you' for the generous contribution toward enriching our library's literary landscape," Barbra Krueger said. "The StoryWalk opens doors to imagination and knowledge for our community, fostering a love of reading that will last a lifetime."
Halcomb said Families can walk through the path and read the different stories while enjoying physical activity and family time outside.
At the project’s unveiling, walked the path with 75 guests. She read pages from Fleming's book about a fuzzy caterpillar crawling through tall grass on a sunny afternoon.
The celebration included refreshments, book giveaways, music and movement activities by Katie Bourbina, early childhood director at the MCISD.
More information about “Talking is Teaching” in addition to other activities can be found on their Facebook page at MCISDearlychildhood.
— Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at lvidaurribowling@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: ‘Talking is Teaching’: Program launches StoryWalk at Ellis Library & Reference Center
