United Way of Elgin launches Born Learning Trail

Learning happens everywhere a child goes, but parents, grandparents and caregivers may not always know how to support that learning. That won't be the case in Elgin anymore. When families visit several local parks, they'll be able to play fun games together that will help the child come to school ready to succeed.

United Way of Elgin has teamed up with local sponsors to bring Born Learning Trails to the community. The first trail was installed this past week at Channing Park, thanks to the City of Elgin and One Hope United. Next spring, Copper Springs Park on the west side of Elgin will also be getting a trail, thanks to Elgin Academy and Advocate Sherman Hospital.

The Born Learning Trail is a series of learning activities that any adult can play with young children outdoors in nature's classroom. Based on the latest early childhood research and approved by national early learning experts through United Way Worldwide, the Born Learning Trail is designed to help adults interact with children to boost language and literacy development and to help caregivers understand how to best support early learning in outdoor everyday moments.

There are 10 signs on the Born Learning Trail, each including activities such as "Imagine! Create! Pretend!," which encourages the caregiver to spur the child's imagination and storytelling skills, building the child's curiosity and confidence and "See! Say! Point! Read!," which builds letter and sound recognition through word play and rhymes.

"The Born Learning Trail promotes fun and games - important components of early childhood learning," said Lynne Bosley, CEO of United Way of Elgin. "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 Channing Park - to support that learning."

Education is also a priority for the City of Elgin.

"There is nothing more important than education, and the earlier we instill these values, the better positioned our community will be for the future," said Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain. "Born Learning Trails provide access to positive, healthy and fun activities, giving parents and grandparents a chance to bond and grow with the young children in their lives."

Research has found that many parents undervalue their role in preparing young children school, that parents and caregivers don't know exactly what actions to take to prepare young children for school and that parents and caregivers feel like they don't have time to do what's needed. The Born Learning Trails are just the latest initiative from United Way of Elgin focused on early learning. Combined with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Getting Kids Ready for Kindergarten Calendar, United Way is building parent's confidence in their role as their child's first teacher.

For details, visit unitedwayelgin.org or call (847) 741-2259.