Step Into Reading: Make The Most of National Walking Month

By integrating reading into walks, children not only benefit from fresh air and physical movement but also develop stronger cognitive skills. Here’s how parents can make the most of National Walking Month with fun, reading-focused activities.

The Benefits of Walking for Young Readers

Walking is not just great for physical health—it also has cognitive benefits that support children’s learning and reading development.

• Enhances Concentration: Physical movement has been shown to improve focus and attention, making it easier for children to absorb new information.
• Boosts Vocabulary: Talking about surroundings while walking introduces children to new words and concepts, reinforcing their language skills.
• Encourages Creativity: Exploring different environments can spark storytelling ideas, making reading and writing activities more engaging.
• Supports Emotional Well-Being: Being outdoors helps reduce stress and anxiety, making reading feel like a fun, relaxing activity rather than a chore.

Want to learn more about how reading benefits child development? Check out our Helping Children Learn to Read guide.

Incorporating Reading into Walking Adventures

Storytelling Walks

Transform a simple walk into a storytelling adventure:

• Start a story and have your child add details as you walk.
• Use nature as inspiration—describe what you see and weave it into the story.
• Let your child lead the story, encouraging creativity and imagination.

Nature-Themed Reading Scavenger Hunt

Make walks more interactive by combining them with a book-based scavenger hunt:

• Choose a book about nature or wildlife.
• Write a list of things mentioned in the book (e.g., birds, trees, insects) and have children spot them along the way.
• Encourage children to describe what they find and relate it to the book.

Making Reading a Part of Every Walk

Even on short walks, there are ways to incorporate books and literacy-based activities.

• Bring a Book: Carry a small book to read during a rest break at the park or by a pond.
• Listen to Audiobooks: Use walks as an opportunity to listen to an engaging audiobook.
• Create a Story Route: Plan a walk based on a book’s setting (e.g., a magical forest, a countryside adventure).
• Sign Reading: Encourage children to read signs, maps, or landmarks along the way to practice real-world reading skills.

Engaging Children with Stories About Nature

Encouraging children to read books about nature can deepen their connection to the world around them.

• Pick books that feature wildlife, plants, or outdoor adventures.
• After a walk, ask children to write or draw about what they saw.
• Encourage them to create their own story about an animal or plant they discovered.

Looking for great nature-themed books? Browse our Book Bands for level-appropriate reading materials.

How Reading Chest Supports Reading and Outdoor Learning

Having access to a variety of books makes it easier to integrate reading into everyday activities. Reading Chest provides a steady supply of engaging books to keep young readers excited and motivated.

• Our book band system ensures books are suited to your child’s reading level.
• We offer flexible book swapping to keep reading fresh and engaging.
• Parents can easily access tips on choosing books that fit their child’s interests and abilities.

Conclusion

National Walking Month is a wonderful opportunity to blend physical activity with literacy development. By incorporating storytelling, outdoor reading challenges, and nature-inspired books, parents can make reading an exciting part of their child’s daily adventures.

Looking for an easy way to support your child’s reading journey? Learn more about Reading Chest and how we can help nurture young readers.

Join the Walking and Reading Fun!

We’d love to see how your family is celebrating National Walking Month through reading! Share your adventures with us on Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram. Let’s make walking and reading a joyful experience together!