Tips for Bringing Walk On! into the Classroom

  • Approach your administrative leadership team to discuss the scope of the Walk On! program and seek permission to be included in a PTA, school-site council or faculty meeting where widespread support can be generated.
  • Promote excitement about Walk On! through daily announcements and friendly competition. Competitions could be designed between students, classrooms, grade levels and schools, as well as between faculty and staff or even among families.
  • The persistence of the program is dependent on the intrinsic motivation of the students, but also on the leadership and modeling demonstrated by all teachers on campus. The more students see active adults exercise during this program, the more they will buy into it.
  • Some simple tips to get started:
    • Create a map of Arizona (or download the Walk On! classroom poster), the United States or another geographically relevant location. Using MapQuest.com or a road atlas, make notes of distances between landmarks or cities. Prior to the Walk On! program beginning, teachers can study the map and brainstorm activities across a range of disciplines and subject areas that are relevant to the geographical area in which your school is located.
    • To generate student interest, allow them to work in cooperative groups to brainstorm activities that relate to Walk On! through physical education, language arts, math, science, social studies and life skills. The teacher can direct and redirect student responses to guide the design of a framework for all cross-discipline Walk On! activities. The purpose of this introductory exercise is to provide a catalyst for student buy-in and generate positive energy for the program.
  • At the conclusion of the BCBSAZ Walk On! program, results could be shared within classrooms or in a more public venue such as during announcements, a school assembly, Governing Board meeting, etc.
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