In October, families are usually looking for family-friendly fall activities. Dogwood librarian Mrs. McIntyre, music teacher Mr. Brookshire, and technology coach Mrs. Dodge worked together to provide a fun experience for the community. They created an interactive Storybook Trail that follows the story of Shake Dem Halloween Bones by W. Nikola-Lisa.
“I wanted to do a collaborative project with the arts specialists,” Mrs. McIntyre said. “I thought this was something the community could enjoy.
Many community libraries create storybook trails, and Mrs. McIntyre decided that it would be a good school and community service at the Dogwood park. Some classes have already experienced the trail. “It is a great experience because children are engaged in a literature activity in nature,” McIntyre said. It breaks up the monotony of class.”
The trail has 10 parts. Participants scan a QR code to hear part of the story and listen to the accompanying music. Mrs. Adair’s classes walked the trail last week, and the class had so much fun. “My favorite part was when my friends and I danced to the music,” said third grader Emerson Rivard.
The trail was a unique English Language Arts experience. “I liked being outside in nature hearing a story, and I liked the dancing,” said third grader Bramlett McGonagill. “At the end they have bones that sound like they are shaking!”
Mrs. McIntyre read the book, Mr. Brookshire played the accompanying music, and Ms. Dodge helped coordinate the technical aspects from recording to printing the signs. The collaborative effort has given the community a fun, not-so-spooky literary experience in nature.