Before-school community walks

It's the perfect time of year to walk outdoors.  The exercise is great for your health, the seasonal changes are a pleasure to see, and the fresh air has been shown to improve your ability to learn!  If you can't walk to school for walk-to-school month, maybe you can invite families to come walk on the school grounds as a community event.  It's easy to organize, inexpensive and fun.

Here's an idea for a before-school AUTUMN-AIR-ATHON, complete with flyers you can print.
1.  Set a week or day where families are invited to come to school a half hour early.
2.  Set a safe route for the walk, around the field, or around the block, and mark it with signs.
3.  Volunteers have paper clipboards to mark how many laps are done.  Teachers, parents, siblings, even babies in strollers, they all count!
4.  Have a simple handout, such as a paper bracelet, that kids can show off.
5.  Try to reach a goal (such as a marathon of 26.2 miles) and celebrate when you do.

What kind of outdoor fun-runs and walks have you done with your school?

International walk to school partnerships

International Walk to School Day to develop classroom partnerships around the world. The article is below from Safe Routes to School:

 http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/2013newsletter/issue1/connect-with-walking-schools-worldwide

Using photos, videos, emails or Skype, classrooms can share what it's like to walk or bike to school in their community with peers around the world. Walk the Globe broadens perspectives and enhances school connectedness, all while motivating students toward active, healthy lifestyles.

Partnerships to start in October for International Walk to School month. These partnerships can last as long as you and your partner classroom would like. Learning about and connecting with another classroom makes walking and biking to school fun, educational, and memorable!

To learn more about Walk the Globe and how you can register, see the video and website at: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1uwzhUeMh0#action=share
www.dashbc.ca/walktheglobe