Local children invited to a story trail in Platt Fields Park

The Hungry Little Minds team from the National Literacy Trust are inviting local children aged two to five to Platt Fields Park in Manchester for a bespoke story trail event as part of National Storytelling Week.

On Tuesday 1st February from 10.45am, families and carers from early years settings are invited to meet Helen Beesley at the Visitors Centre in Platt Fields Park, to take part. 

The trail is based on a story about elves in the local park, written by children’s author Rebecca Lewis-Oakes and illustrated by Aaron Cushley.

Helen Beesley will lead the attendees around the park as they follow the adventures of Uncle Josh, Mia, Kai and their dog Scruffy. 

This event for National Storytelling Week aims to aid children’s language and literacy development, as they fill out their booklet whilst following the story around the park.

The trail will take one hour to complete and will finish by the playground, where families are encouraged to stop and stay for a lunchtime picnic. 

All parents and carers with little ones aged two to five are encouraged to pick up a booklet from Helen Beesley or download a digital copy, wear weather appropriate clothing, and enjoy the elf story trail and help develop the children’s literacy and learning skills along the way.

Alongside the story trail all little ones will walk away with a goodie bag, which will include chat, play and read resources and a free book.

The story trail in Manchester is one of 12 story trails across the country which have formed part of the Hungry Little Minds campaign, funded by the Department for Education and delivered by the National Literacy Trust.

The campaign provides families of children under five with lots of simple and fun activities to easily slot into their daily routines whilst building their child’s speech and language skills at home. 

“Come along and join me in the brilliant location of Platt Fields for our guided story trail with Uncle Josh, Mia, Kai and their dog Scruffy,” said Helen Beesley, Hungry Little Minds.

“We hope this will inspire you to make your own stories as you walk around your local community and share with your friends and families!”

The story trail will take place on Tuesday 1st February from 10.45am. For more details on the campaign visit the National Literacy Trust or for more information on campaign activity in Manchester visit Read Manchester.