Get moving and encourage kids to be more active during Walk to School Week 2022. The 5 day challenge takes place this week (16 – 22 May) and is designed to help children reach their minimum 60 minutes of exercise per day.
What are the benefits of Walk to School Week?
Being active and getting some exercise in the morning before arriving at school can help set kids up for a positive day; improving focus and concentration, and instilling a sense of physical and mental wellbeing.
Walk to School Week is also designed to extend further – encouraging healthy habits for life with a focus on exercise, diet and wellbeing.
There are many health benefits to walking – exercise helps develop strong bones and increase muscle strength. Walking gets the heart pumping, which can help improve cognitive function for lessons throughout the school day.
Walk to School Week also provides a great opportunity to build strong bonds in the community and enjoy increased social interaction. Walk in groups with friends and take a look at your surroundings and what you can see on your route to school.
How can I get involved in Walk to School Week?
The week long challenge is not just about walking, any type of exercise is encouraged, including cycling, riding your scooter or even running!
Although it may not be possible for every child to walk the distance from their house to their school, parents are encouraged to ‘drive and stride,’ parking further than they normally would and walking the rest of the way. This also means that traffic congestion and pollution is reduced around school gates.
With so many benefits to Walk to School Week, why not get your children involved?
Learn more at livingstreets.org.uk/walk-to-school