Let’s Walk the Talk: Promoting Active Commutes during Walk to School Week
Are you up for the challenge?
“Walk to School Week” is starting on Monday 15th May and Living streets has an amazing and fun challenge for the children. It aims to raise awareness about the benefits of walking, such as physical exercise, improved mental well-being, reduced traffic congestion, and reduced carbon emissions. But each day has its own theme to help make your walk more exciting. They have prepared lesson plans for the entire week which are fun and engaging for the classroom; they are available here. if you haven’t already got your pack, be quick as they are selling out! During Walk to School Week, schools encourage pupils and their families to walk to school instead of using motorized vehicles like cars or buses. The event typically takes place over the course of a week, although the specific dates may vary depending on the school or the organization promoting the initiative.
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Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/livingstreetsuk
Twitter – https://twitter.com/livingstreets
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/livingstreets/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-streets/
“EVERYONE CAN JOIN WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK!
As a walking charity we want to remove barriers to active travel. We support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities to enjoy walking, including travel by wheelchair or mobility scooter. Encouraging parents to park even a little way from the school reduces congestion and air pollution at the school gates and improves road safety. Pupils can walk or wheel the last few minutes into school and still earn their reward. However, we understand that walking/wheeling to school, even part of the way, might not be an option for all. In these cases, we encourage pupils to become Walk to School Week ambassadors and assist the teacher in running the challenge to earn their own reward”.
Participating in Walk to School Week can provide numerous health benefits for pupils. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Physical Exercise: Walking to school is a simple and effective way for pupils to engage in physical activity. It helps increase their daily step count, contributing to improved cardiovascular health, enhanced muscle strength, and better overall fitness. Regular physical exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity, and promoting healthy growth and development in children.
2. Mental Well-being: Walking has been shown to have positive effects on mental health and well-being. It can help reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Walking outdoors exposes pupils to natural light, fresh air, and nature, which can have mood-lifting and rejuvenating effects. Walking also provides an opportunity for social interaction and connection with peers, enhancing social well-being.
3. Concentration and Cognitive Function: Physical activity, including walking, has been linked to improved cognitive function, attention span, and academic performance. Walking to school helps pupils start their day with increased blood flow to the brain, promoting mental alertness and readiness to learn.
4. Bone and Joint Health: Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that helps strengthen bones and joints. Regular walking can contribute to the development of healthy bones, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and improve balance and coordination.
5. Healthy Habits: Walk to School Week encourages the adoption of healthy habits from an early age. By incorporating walking into their daily routine, pupils are more likely to continue engaging in physical activity as they grow older, leading to a healthier lifestyle in the long term.
6. Safety Awareness: Walking to school promotes pedestrian safety awareness among pupils. They learn important skills such as observing traffic, using crosswalks, and following pedestrian rules, enhancing their overall safety when navigating streets and intersections.
Overall, Walk to School Week offers numerous health benefits by promoting physical activity, mental well-being, and the development of healthy habits. By encouraging pupils to walk to school, it establishes a foundation for a healthier lifestyle and fosters a positive relationship with physical activity.
Not everyone may be able to walk to school depending on your schedule but there are other ways you can get those steps in! To find local walks in nature near you, you can try the following methods:
- Check your local parks and recreation department’s website or contact them directly. They often provide information about parks, trails, and walking paths in your area.
- Make use of online mapping services like Google Maps or Bing Maps. Zoom in on your location and look for nearby green spaces, parks, or nature reserves. These platforms may also provide information about walking trails and paths within those areas.
- There are several websites and mobile apps dedicated to helping people find walking and hiking trails. Some popular options include AllTrails, TrailLink, and MapMyWalk. These platforms allow you to search for trails based on your location and provide detailed information, including trail maps, difficulty levels, and user reviews.
- Contact local nature centers, wildlife sanctuaries, or conservation organizations in your area. They often maintain trails and provide information about nature walks and guided tours in nearby natural areas.
- Local Community Groups and social media: Check with local community groups, nature enthusiasts, or hiking clubs in your area. They may have valuable insights and recommendations for nearby nature walks. Joining social media groups or forums related to hiking or outdoor activities in your region can also provide you with recommendations from experienced walkers.
- Visit or contact your local tourism information center or visitor’s bureau. They typically have resources, brochures, and maps highlighting local attractions, including walking trails and nature spots.
- Ask friends, neighbours, or colleagues who live in the area about their favourite local walks in nature. Personal recommendations can often lead to hidden gems or lesser-known trails that are worth exploring.
Remember to check for any guidelines or restrictions for the trails you choose to visit, such as opening hours, seasonal closures, or specific rules to follow. Additionally, it’s essential to prioritize your safety by being prepared with appropriate footwear, water, sunscreen, and following any posted signs or regulations while enjoying your walk in nature.
rTriibe would love to hear from you and what you have been up to in your walk to school week! Please tag us in your social media using our hashtag #rTriibewalktoschoolweek
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