What does it take to stop the tide of inactivity in children? How can communities work together to overcome barriers both in and out of schools to create environments that encourage physical activity? One way is for parents, teachers, school administrators and politicians to think creatively about getting kids moving. Programs such as Safe Routes to Schools and Walking School Buses are simple ideas many schools are successfully using to encourage physical activity.

Parents or teachers who are looking for ideas to change school and community environments can visit Safe Routes to Schools where you’ll find a toolkit and many classroom resources to begin a safe routes program. The National Center for Safe Routes to School, established in May 2006, assists school programs with knowledge and technical information to implement safe and successful strategies to increase safe biking and walking opportunities for children coming from and going to school.

Other resources to encourage active behavior in your school include PE Central's Log It, which is a website where children can log steps and virtually walk across the United States. The website is free and allows teachers to register their classes or you can register as an individual walker.

Many states also have virtual walking websites, where individuals and/or classrooms can virtually walk across a state logging miles, visiting historical landmarks and learning about state history. Examples include Walk Across Texas, Walk Across Maryland and Walk Across Illinois among others.

A great resource for walkers is America on the Move, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve health and quality of life by promoting healthful eating and active living among individuals, families, communities, and society. America on the Move has several web-based tools to encourage physical activity including several virtual trails such as the Iditarod, the Oregon Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and trails traversing the Rocky Mountains.

The Walking School Bus program can be as simple as a group of children regularly waking together with one or more adults to and from school. Tips and information about forming a Walking School Bus can be found at the Walking School Bus website.

Visit the Families Food and Fitness Move More Everyday behavior for more information.

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