Getting Kids Moving
From the "why didn't we think of that?" file...a great concept for increasing activity and health in our children. At one elementary school in Germany, kids take a different kind of transportation to and from classes - the Walking Bus. American educators, take note.
Operating within a one-mile radius around the Margarethenschule in Paderborn, Germany, the "Walking Bus" is operated by adult volunteers, who pick up children on foot at several bus stops and accompany them on their walk to school. The process is reversed after school.
In addition to the obvious health benefits of the morning and afternoon walks, school officials have noted that the children have learned traffic safety rules faster through the activity. In addition, teachers report improved concentration and behavior among the walking bus participants. The school plans a formal study of these benefits of the Walking Bus later this month. At a time when childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes are at record highs, the Walking Bus makes sense for everyone. Why not pass along the idea to your local school district today?
Hmmm, neat idea, BUT
... a reminder that all of Germany is smaller than the state of California. Towns are compact. Things are close together (aka "walking distance"). A Walking Bus in the US might take kids 4 hours to get to school...