The purpose of this resource is to support the creation of a campaign that raises awareness and builds enthusiasm for walking and wheeling to/from school for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Description
A coordinated campaign featuring activities, events, and communications highlighting the many benefits of active school travel for students, families, and the wider community. Campaign messaging should focus on positive and encouraging sentiments, such as the mental health benefits of physical activity, the positive impacts of walking/wheeling on academic performance, and the improved air quality and traffic safety conditions when less people drive.
Planning a schedule of campaign activities to happen throughout the school year is a good way to keep the benefits top-of-mind for families, gradually shifting perceptions about safety and convenience, and ultimately building a school culture that supports walking and cycling. A campaign can incorporate fun events and activities such as a Walk and Wheel Day, Steps Challenge, Greening Tree Activity, Dress for the Weather, and/or Anti-Idling Campaign.
An Awareness Campaign should ideally use a variety of communications tools, including:
- Announcements & Posters
- Newsletter articles
- School website & social media
- Classroom activities
- Assembly
- Press releases to attract local media coverage
To ensure an Awareness Campaign is inclusive and equitable, communications for families should be translated into the most common languages spoken in the local community.
What you will need
- Materials for making posters or other campaign elements
- Prizes for contests
Who can help
Students, teachers, school staff, public health nurses, and the school council.
Download the Back to School Campaign resource at right/below.
External resources
- The Active and Safe Routes to School Teachers Kit by the City of Toronto includes ready-to-use lesson plans, resources for extracurricular programs, and sample materials to support school-wide engagement.
- Active For Life also offers a range of resources for Raising Physically Literate Kids, including lesson plans, activities, and unit guides.
Additional reading
Learn more about the Benefits of Active School Travel on our blog.
Key words
Students, walking, wheeling, benefits, awareness, social media, announcements, newsletter, poster, health, wellness, physical activity, exercise, social connection.