Log Miles Walked
Logging miles that students have accumulated is a great way to chart progress and create excitement and camaraderie among students. Classes can compete against each other or different grades, or the school could work as a team to accumulate miles towards a common goal, such as “Walking Across the United States.”
Putting it into Practice
For example, AC Moore Elementary School in Columbia, South Carolina, formed a goal to jointly accumulate "One Million Minutes of Motion" by the end of April. Students and staff were encouraged to walk or bike to school every day. Bus riders were encouraged to get 30 minutes of physical activity in the evening with friends and family. Each student completed a monthly walking log to track the number of minutes walked. Those students who walked or exercised 30 minutes for at least three days a week were given award certificates. A "Million Minute March" to the State House celebrated the accomplishment. In May, the school promotes an annual fun walk/run. At the end of year school awards ceremony, special prizes are given to students who have accumulated seven certificates for monthly exercise.
Orchard Hollow Elementary School in Mentor, Ohio, also has a creative program involving logging miles. Since the majority of this school's students cannot walk to school, Walk to School Day kicks-off a year-round walking-at-recess program. Children log their distance and receive a "toe token" charm for every five miles. More awards are given for 25 miles, 50 miles, 75 miles and 100 miles. At year's end, the student who has walked the furthest receives a special award. Teachers help the children plot their miles on a map of the US to see how many cities they can "visit" during the school year.
Finally, West View Elementary in Spartanburg, South Carolina, used pedometers to log their miles. Through a grant, the school purchased pedometers for students to use. West View then planned a variety of walking and health related activities that took place on a weekly and monthly basis. Students are able to earn various rewards for achieving their walking goals. Teachers also take part in this walking challenge.
