The purpose of this resource is to encourage kids and families to walk and wheel in all seasons by helping them to get the right gear.
Description
An education and awareness initiative that teaches students of all grades how to dress for comfort when walking or cycling in different weather, and helps them access the clothing and equipment they need.
Canada’s climate includes a wide range of weather conditions — ice, snow, rain, sun — and often a large range in temperatures from freezing cold to sweltering hot. With the right clothing and equipment, walking and wheeling can be safe and enjoyable in all seasons. To remind students of this, and to celebrate year-round active transportation, you can run a Dress for the Weather campaign.
Potential components of a campaign include:
- Announcements
- Posters
- Classroom discussions
- Assembly with a fashion show, perhaps depicting “dos” and “don’ts”
- Contest, e.g., prize for the class with the highest percentage of walkers and wheelers on a rainy day
Late Fall or early Winter can be a good time for a campaign to help prepare for the colder and wetter weather ahead, and can be combined with a community clothes drive or winter clothing library to help families access important items like gloves, boots, and coats. A Dress for the Weather campaign can also be a fun part of a Walk and Wheel Day event, such as Winter Walk Day.
What you will need
- Examples of clothing and equipment that should be used for different seasons
- Materials for making posters or other campaign elements
- Donations of wet weather and winter gear to offer to students and families
Who can help
Students, teachers, school staff, public health nurses, and school council.
Resources
The Canadian Cancer Society offers practical information on how to be sun safe. For tips on Winter Walking, see our downloadable resources.
Key words
Students, weather, walking, wheeling, winter, seasons, rain, snow, ice, footwear, clothing, dry, warm.