Active Commute: Map Your Way to School

A cool-down where each student chalks their route from home to school on the ground and looks for stretches they could walk, bike or make more active. It builds daily activity planning and safe movement around town.

How to play

1. Walking around the track, everyone recalls how they get to school, how long it takes and which transport they use (2 min).
2. In groups by neighborhood or area, they chalk a simple map of their routes on the ground and mark with an X the stretches they already walk or bike (3 min).
3. Each group finds one realistic change: get off a stop early, meet up to walk together, use a bike lane. They write it on a sheet (3 min).
4. Quick round: each group shares its change and one safety tip for that stretch (crosswalks, helmet, going with someone) (2 min).

Rules

• Don't give exact home addresses; the neighborhood or a landmark is enough.
• Changes must be safe and doable with family permission.
• Respect those who live far away or depend on transport: there's always some stretch to add.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: look at accessible stretches, ramps and curb cuts.
• Students who ride the school bus: look at other trips in their day (to practice, to friends' houses).
• Drawing or writing difficulties: a classmate draws while the student describes the route out loud.

Learning goals

• See active commuting as part of daily activity.
• Suggest realistic, safe changes.
• Plan with attention to road safety.

Equipment for a class of 25

• sheets of paper: 30
• pencils: 30
• pieces of chalk: 10

Teacher tip

Keep in mind some students live far away or in areas without sidewalks: the idea is to add movement, not judge. If it rains, use a whiteboard or butcher paper in the gym.

More activities like this

More cool-downs for Middle School