One World Schoolhouse Foundation

Storytime Trail was created by OneWorld Schoolhouse Foundation (OWSH) a Canadian charity focused on literacy. Since 2012 we have been bringing readers and storytellers together in ingenious ways to celebrate the important stories that connect us all. Based on children’s books created by Canadian authors and illustrators OWSH offers outdoor reading programs called 'book walks.' The text and pictures of a book are presented as 'reader spreads' on a series of numbered signs about 24 in x 30 in. The signs are made of weather-resistant Coroplast and inserted into the ground of school property using an aluminum 'H-frame' holder. (If the ground is frozen signs may be are 'zip-tied' to fences using grommets. Throughout the walk teachers activate video messages from the author or a subject expert by using their smartphone to reading QR codes on many of the signs. Teachers use 'Storytime Trail' to guide difficult conversations on truth and reconciliation mental wellness accessibility climate change and other equity and inclusion topics. In all there are 24 stories in English and 3 in French. 'Storytime Trail' has been operating since September 2021 in 15 Ontario schools boards plus schools in BC Alberta Manitoba Nova Scotia and PEI.