In February, Candace Stadick, first grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary, had her entire class reading pages in unison and participating in the activities on each page.  Photos courtesy of Foresee Studios.

This year, the Heart of New Ulm’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Action Team put together a Story Walk in lieu of the typical Winter Walk to School Day.

Volunteer members of the SRTS Action Team worked together to move the Story Walk between local schools throughout the winter months. NUACS, St. Paul’s, Jefferson, Riverbend, Washington Learning Center and MLC all participated.

“Combining reading with movement is a great way to improve literacy,” said Kaitlin Gawrisch, the Heart of New Ulm’s Community Health Improvement Coordinator. “It helps with retention and increases kids’ ability to focus — not only on the task at hand, but also on the tasks to follow. The book we chose this year, Run, Oscar, Run!, had a great theme that helped promote positive self talk, giving students strategies to overcome everyday challenges. Having an active classroom not only boosts brain development and focus, it’s also fun.”

Each page had activity prompts to get kids moving between pages, emphasizing the importance of kinesthetic learning.

Candace Stadick, a first grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary, said, “Combining movement with literacy helps my first graders stay engaged and focused. Physical activity supports brain development, so when students can actively participate in the Story Walk, they strengthen both reading skills and coordination all while making learning fun.”

Elise Cronin, a special education teacher at Riverbend Education District, said, “Being outside and incorporating movement into our day helps everyone meet and regulate their sensory needs. The Story Walk brings the classroom outside and helps students relax and focus so they’re ready for learning both during the walk and inside the classroom.”

The SRTS team’s next event will be National Walk to School Day on May 6. Members of the team, including law enforcement, will be present at various intersections around the schools. Kids spotted walking, bicycling or scootering safely may be spotted by these officers and given a prize. Parents are encouraged to follow the Heart of New Ulm’s Facebook page for more information as well as details on a walking school bus challenge that could win a neighborhood an ice cream party at MN Eis.