Born Learning Trails are a fun, easy way for parents, grandparents

and caregivers to use outings to build learning critical for school

readiness.

Union, WV - Alexander Park Walking Trail

Directions: Travel Rt. 219 South to Union. At the stop sign,

go straight ahead on Willow Bend Road to School Road (3 blocks).

Turn right onto School Road and go to Mt. View School. The

Walkway Trail is adjacent to the school.

Ronceverte, WV - Ronceverte Island Park

Directions: Travel on Rt. 219 South of Ronceverte. Turn left onto

Island Park. The Born Learning Trail is located on the paved walking

trail in the area of the playground, adjacent to the picnic shelter.

The Born Learning Trails promote fun and games - important

components of early childhood learning. Research tells us children

are literally 'born learning'. That means five years of education take

place before they ever enter kindergarten. We know that what

happens in a child's early years matters - for success in life and for

school readiness. And we want to help parents, grandparents and

caregivers use everyday outings - including trips to the Trails -

to support that learning.

There are three sets of stencils for children to play on - hopscotch

with numbers, shapes, and ABCs. Nine signs along the Trail

encourage interactive learning. Here are just a few:

Watch! Stop! Learn! Play! encourages the caregiver to follow the

child's lead, building the child's curiosity and confidence.

See! Say! Point! Pretend! encourages playfulness with letters and

sounds, building preliteracy skills.

Jump! Clap! Skip! Move! encourages physical activity and gross

motor skills, which are important for kindergarten.

Look! Listen! Touch! Think! encourages exploration of nature, building a child's problem-solving skills.