Are you ready to get all your students really moving at recess? At our school, we have Walking Club.
They receive a punch card, to keep track of the miles that they walk. Then, at recess time, the students walk laps around the field in our play area. We have a parent volunteer stand at one of the corners of the field, with a fun-shaped hole punch. As the students walk by, the volunteer punches a hole in their card. Four punches (or laps) is equivalent to one mile.
Students also bring their cards to gym class. For every mile that they walk, the receive a colorful foot token to add to their keychain. They are so proud of their growing collection!
Depending on the availability of volunteers, Walking Club usually takes place 1-2 times a week during recess in the warmer months. Students can choose to participate when they want. They are responsible for bringing their own card with them to both recess and to gym class.
Some students walk, while others run laps. Some walk by themselves, while others walk with a partner or group of friends. Some students participate every week, while others only do it a few times each session. Some walk the entire recess, while others do a few laps before heading to the playground. It’s a very open-ended program!
Not only are students getting more exercise, but it significantly cuts down on (behavior problems) and injuries at recess time. Walking Club is an simple program to implement, but has powerful impacts!
