Data from the 2020 Early Childhood Profile indicates that only 56.9% of children in Fulton County are ready to enter kindergarten.

Quality family time strengthens bonds, improves communication, and enhances self-esteem of children. The Fulton County Extension Office along with the Hickman Public Library, and the Four River Counties Early Childhood Council hosted the first ever Story Walk event for families at the Hickman City Park. 77 individuals participated in the event.

The Story Walk involves parent/caregiver/child involvement as they read a story page by page around the walking trail and developmentally appropriate learning activities offer the youth the opportunity to learn and play with their families. Overall, the walk encourages interaction which promotes language and literacy development. Physical activity and early community literacy opportunities were strategically combined through the Story Walk experience.

Parents enjoyed all the interactive learning opportunities and being reminded of how simple it is to promote learning while spending time outside together.

A social media comment said “thanks to all those that put the story walk together at the park, it was such a cute idea and it gets people and families out in a safe way during these weird times”.