Wednesday, February 12th, 2025

Lisa Kristine Arlt believes there is more to picture books than meets the eye. That is why she is organizing a new interactive storytelling group for kids that incorporates movement, reading, writing, drawing and discussion.

Called “A Junior Philosopher’s Walk,” Lisa Kristine will read stories and poetry that explore different perspectives from around the world, as well as the natural world around us, to children ages 6 to 10, starting on Tuesday, March 18.

“The inspiration for the Philosopher’s Walk came from the many children’s story books I have collected, some of them during times when I had no little ones around,” explains Lisa Kristine, who now has four children. “Many of them are stories from different cultures and have been around for a long time.”

“Some of the stories prompt us to take a look inward, guiding us to develop, with consciousness, our person. Others are more immediate teachings, looking at our environment, encouraging contemplation of how we wish to engage in life and to consider the impact we have on each other and the planet.”

The group will begin with tea, snack and stretches before the readings. Each child will receive a sketchbook for writing or drawing their thoughts and ideas. Lisa Kristine will facilitate a group discussion and hopes to hold the activity outside once the weather warms up.

“Myths, stories, poems and songs have long been used as powerful learning tools. They provide understandings which sharpen our sight. I think of them like a trail of crumbs which lead us back home, each one containing clues that assure us we are on the right path. Or like water that nourishes our inner seeds of knowing.”

Jenn Hubbs, manager at Curiosity House, agrees. She has been working with Lisa Kristine to find books for the group.

“A study in California showed that reading to children drops off after Grade 3, but that while this happens, the children miss the connecting that comes with it,” explains Jenn.

Jenn, who taught Grades 6 to 8 at Montessori schools in the U.K. and Canada for five years before coming to Creemore, says she always read aloud to her students, no matter what their age.

“Reading a picture book out loud is not a solitary practice,” Jenn explains. “You are constantly asking, what do you think? You are asking kids to build connections to the story and the world around them. What a picture book can do in 50 words, great novels can take 400 pages to get to.”
To register your child ($75 for five weeks), contact 705-520-0103 or email lisakristine.om@gmail.com

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