Walking Programs
Walking is an activity that is easy and accessible to most students, staff and parents and can be made into an engaging, interesting activity in many ways.
Read MoreIs your school looking for a sustainable way to provide more physical activity for students and families? Consider building a walking trail! Walking trails can be used during the school day for PE class, recess or classroom lessons, and before and after school for students and community members. Take it a step further and enhance your walking trail with fitness stations, either permanent or temporary, that target various fitness skills and muscle groups.
Activities such as these help students explore…
Self-Management: Taking learning outside allows children to play and learn in a naturally relaxing environment while creating opportunities for them to explore better ways of managing emotions, re-center their thoughts and attention and practice self-reflection. Walking trails and fitness stations support children practice and experience these skills through movement and physical activity.
Social Awareness and Relationship Skills: Walking trails provide opportunities for group activities and relays – allowing students to explore new relationships and strengthen others. Implementing relay activities into fitness stations supports students in developing skills such as relationship-building, teamwork, and empathy and respect for others.
If your trail will be paved, consider painting footprints of the school mascot along the route to jazz up the path!
Consider safety: Will the trail be visible at all points? Will the trail cross a parking lot or sidewalk where there are cars or pedestrians?
Think holistically: Is it possible to connect the school’s trail with local neighborhoods, grocery stories, the library, or another park or playground?
Ensure activities accommodate any level of participant. Modify stations if necessary so everyone can have fun and participate.
Consider posting on school website so community members may utilize.
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