THE PROGRAM
What is Walk Smart?
The Walk Smart program provides a fun, educational, on-foot learning experience for elementary students. Whether or not students walk to school, learning to be a safe pedestrian is a critical life skill. Our Walk Smart program is modeled on the best national practices in terms of age of delivery, diversity of teaching methods, student interaction, and course content.
We teach kids pedestrian skills for life.
Our nationally certified and bi-lingual instructors teach 2nd grade students the basics, in the classroom and out on the streets. The two-part program includes a 45 minute presentation, followed by an approximately 1.5 hour walking field trip that covers the following walk safety practices.
IN THE CLASSROOM - Due to Covid-19 our programs are now virtual.
Rules of the road.
The Walk Smart presentation is delivered to each 2nd grade class individually in the classroom. The 45-minute presentation can be modified to align with school preferences. We bring all equipment and props to ensure a fun, educational experience for the students.
THE WALKING FIELD TRIP - Due to Covid-19 our programs are now virtual.
Hitting the ground walking.
On a separate day, Walk Smart staff will return to the school for the walking field trips. The walking field trips allows students to practice using the safety skills learned in the classroom through a fun, interactive walk around the school neighborhood.
The walking field trip is ideally 1.5-hours long for each class, but we can modify the timing to best align with the school schedule.
The walking field trips begin in the classroom, where staff members review skills taught in the presentation and review rules for the field trip. The class is then divided by the classroom teacher and each group is issued a brightly colored, reflective safety vest. Students are then led off campus in color-coded, single-file lines.
At the first crossing, the class will cross as a large group after all students practice the Stop, Look, and Listen method to determine when it’s safe to cross. At subsequent crossings, the class will be divided in smaller and smaller groups, until students reach the test crossing. For the test, students will cross in groups of 2-3. Under careful supervision, all students must individually demonstrate the Stop, Look, and Listen method and determine when it is safe to cross. During the field trip, students will also learn about driveway safety and how to read the lights on a car.
Walk Smart staff will conduct a short wrap-up and present students with a certificate and bookmark. In addition to rewarding the student, each student is asked to share the materials with their families to reinforce the important safety messages.
VOLUNTEER
Do good, feel good.
Make your free time be more than me-time. Nothing is more selfless than donating your time and energy to projects that make your community – and the planet – a better place. But it’s not all sacrifice; it’s also a lot of fun!
Bike Smart and Walk Smart volunteers and interns assist lead staff in the implementation of youth bicycle and walk safety training.
© 2019 Ecology Action. All Rights Reserved
LEARN ABOUT US
CONTACT US
877 Cedar Street, Suite 240
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Tel: 831.426.5925
CONNECT WITH US
Can't volunteer? Consider donating.
This program is 100% funded by private and public donors. Please consider making a donation for us to continue teaching our local kids bike skills for life.
MORE THAN WALK SKILLS.
WE TEACH LIFE SKILLS.
Our goals are to encourage more students to consider walking, to empower students to make safe decisions while walking, and ultimately to reduce the likelihood of collisions for young pedestrians.
SCHEDULING
Bring Walk Smart to your school!
Our team will work closely with you or your staff to determine the best schedule for your classes.
Jennifer Rivas
Youth Program Coordinator
Sal Murillo
Youth Program Coordinator
Meghana Kikkeri
Youth Program Coordinator
VIRTUAL ONLINE PROGRAM
A new interactive experience.
We provide 45 minutes of fun and interactive Walk Safety online programing to 2nd grade students taught live by two instructors. Instruction is provided through a PowerPoint for visuals and animation. We integrate many opportunities for students to practice the safety rules, including repetition through dance, interactive games, and storytelling. Classes can be delivered in English or Spanish.
