If you walked to school as a kid, you may remember that first day you did it – the feeling of independence, maybe even a sense of adventure? There is a joy that comes with walking: listening to the sounds of the neighborhood, seeing friends and neighbors and even just being outside.
On Oct. 7, thousands of students from communities in more than 40 countries and schools all across America will come together for International Walk to School Day. Here are three ways to get involved:
- Walk from home. This is great for students and families who live close enough to walk to school. You can even join other families and form groups in the neighborhood to travel to school together. Not sure the best route to get from your home to the school? The National Center for Safe Routes to School can help you Map-a-Route.
- Walk from designated starting points. This is great for families who live too far to walk or have limited routes for walking. You can identify one or more locations within walking distance to school where students and families can gather and walk together. Check out Map-a-Route for a safe route for the group to walk!
- Walk AT school. This is the easiest way to include every student. Teachers can get students walking during a school assembly, recess or as part of a class activity. Students can use the school field or playground or even walk around the school campus.
Participating in a Walk to School event is a great way to unite your school and your community. Why not invite the school mascot or wear school colors while walking? Or how about carrying colorful balloons or making fun signs? If you have good conditions for walking, but don’t feel comfortable letting your kids walk to school alone, think about working with other families and form a walking school bus.
How will you celebrate International Walk to School Day? Tell us in the comments!
