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Get your walking shoes ready because October 1 marks the start of International Walk To School Month! This global event was first established in 1997 and aims to promote physical activity, environmental awareness, and safer routes for children to walk to school. It's a great opportunity for kids to get some exercise while also reducing traffic congestion and pollution around schools. Plus, it's a fun way to start off the day with some fresh air and socializing with friends. So let's lace up our sneakers and hit the pavement for this month-long celebration!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of the Movement</div><div class='timeline-text'>The "Walk Our Children to School Day" initiative is organized in Chicago, focusing on bringing light to the need for safer and improved streets.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UK's Walk to School Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The UK holds its first Walk to School Day in partnership with Green Communities, setting the stage for an international event.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Canada's First Walk To School Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Green Communities Canada organizes the first Canadian Walk to School Day, attracting more than 100,000 participants across the country.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Walk To School Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The event expands from a day to a whole month, becoming International Walk To School Month, promoting longer-term active transportation habits.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Massive Global Participation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Over 40 countries participate in International Walk To School Month, reaching millions of walkers from around the globe.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Online Adaptation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to COVID-19, many schools adapt by encouraging virtual walks, maintaining the spirit of the event during challenging times.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a walking group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and classmates to form a walking group to school. This will make the walk more fun and enjoyable, and also promote safety in numbers.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate your walking route</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and decorate your walking route with colorful signs, chalk drawings, or even balloons to make the walk more exciting and festive.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Track your steps</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Encourage students to track their steps with a pedometer or fitness tracker. Set goals and reward those who reach them, making the walk to school a fun and interactive challenge.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan a scavenger hunt</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create a scavenger hunt along the walking route to school. This will keep students engaged and make the walk more interactive and enjoyable.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a walking-themed event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a walking-themed event at school, such as a walk-a-thon or a nature walk, to promote the benefits of walking and celebrate International Walk To School Month.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes a healthy lifestyle</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Walking to school is a simple and fun way for kids to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine. It can improve cardiovascular health and help maintain a healthy weight. Plus, walking with friends or family can also be a great social experience!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's beneficial for the environment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Transportation is one of the largest contributors to air pollution, so by walking to school instead of using a car, it helps reduce carbon emissions and contributes to a healthier planet. It also helps reduce traffic congestion around schools.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a chance to spend quality time with family/neighbors</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Walking to school can be an opportunity for parents and neighbors to bond with each other and their children. It allows for conversations and connections that may not happen inside a car or at the school drop-off point. Plus, it's a great way to start the day!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Walking can improve learning ability</h3><p class='facts-text'>Research shows that physical activity boosts brain function. Thus, walking to school may help increase children's alertness and readiness to learn throughout the day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>It encourages independence and decision-making skills</h3><p class='facts-text'>Walking to school, especially for older kids, can foster self-confidence, decision-making skills, and a sense of independence as they navigate their route and manage their time.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Walking improves spatial awareness and navigation skills</h3><p class='facts-text'>Children who regularly walk to school often display better understanding of directions and distances, enhancing their spatial awareness and navigation abilities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Walk to School initiatives can lead to improved infrastructure</h3><p class='facts-text'>International Walk to School Month events often highlight the need for safer or more accessible pedestrian infrastructure, prompting community actions towards better roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Walking is a universal activity</h3><p class='facts-text'>Regardless of income or location, walking to school is an option for millions of children worldwide, making International Walk To School Month a universally accessible initiative.</p></div></div>
International Walk to School Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024, International Walk to School Month will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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