There are many (and I mean many!) things about being a grandma that I love, but my favorite part may be the read-alouds and storytelling. Whether the kids are tucked in for the night or cuddled on my lap while we rock, there is no greater joy to me than sharing a story with them.
While there is nothing wrong with the standard, I have found an even more interactive way to share stories, which is via a storybook walk! (Believe me: It is a wonderful way to bring the magic of storytelling to life while spending quality time outdoors with your grandkids.)
1. Select the perfect story
First things first, you need to pick out the star of the show – the storybook. You’ll want to pick a book that not only your grandkids adore but also one that carries a worthwhile message, whether that be a fairy tale or the biography of an inspirational person from history. Which will you choose?
2. Bring the pages to life
Once you have decided on a story, it’s time to transform the pages of the book into vibrant storyboards. How, you ask? Well, you can photocopy them, enlarge them, and laminate them to keep them safe from the elements. (Or, if you’re feeling extra artistic, you can recreate the pages yourself for a personal touch.)
3. Chart your route
Now, onto the exciting bit – laying out the course of your story walk. Your route is completely customizable and can be as simple as a trek around your garden or a hike in your local park. Heck, if you or your grands are avid outdoorsmen (women and kids :P), you can even climb Mount Kilimanjaro whilst discussing the story! Remember, it should be fun, not an uphill slog, so plan accordingly.
4. The great unveiling
Once you’ve planned out your route, it’s time to set the stage for your walking story. Securely set up your storyboards along the way, making sure they’re clearly visible and in the right order. We wouldn’t want to muddle up our adventure, would we?
5. Embark on your adventure
Here’s the best part: Take the must-anticipated walk with your grandkids, stopping at each storyboard to share a slice of the story. It’s a great time to ask thought-provoking questions, stir their imagination, and watch the tale come alive in their sparkling eyes.
6. Interactive elements
To amp up the fun, why not throw in some story-related activities or games along the way? It could be a quick scavenger hunt or a themed craft activity. Let the story guide your imagination! (If you need help, shoot me an email – I love coming up with things like this!)
Supplies
The Complete Grimms’ Fairy Tales
In case you don’t already have a treasury of history’s most iconic fairy tales, I give you The Complete Grimms’ Fairy Tales! (As a friendly warning/reminder: These are not the watered-down Disney versions and can often be darker than the beloved films. Please read through them before introducing them to your younger grandkids.)
Aesop’s Fables Hardcover
Short, sweet, and educational, Aesop’s Fables is another must-own book that features iconic stories and timeless, teachable moments.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women
This is an example of one of the many biography treasuries that you can read to your grands! This one applies to granddaughters (I also found a lovely one about women of faith!), but there are also wonderful collections for boys.
Conclusion
There you have it: The perfect recipe for an unforgettable storybook walk. It’s more than just a storytelling session but rather a shared adventure that breathes life into the magical world of books. What are you waiting for? Put on your explorer hats, grab your favorite book, and let’s turn storytime into a magical adventure!