Rainbow District School Board challenged students to bundle up and get outside for Winter Walk Day today, Wednesday, Feb. 3rd.
Winter Walk Day is celebrated in schools across Ontario on the first Wednesday of February each year.
It’s all part of the Rainbow District School Board’s ongoing efforts to encourage sustainable practices.
“Students are encouraged to take the time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors,” says Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “Staying active throughout the year is essential for developing foundational skills like concentration and motor coordination in children.”
During their time outside, students will incorporate the traditional Indigenous practice of staying connected to “Shkagamikwe” Mother Earth during our coldest season.
The month of February, known as Makwa Giizis, which means Bear Moon, or Naabin Giizis, which means Snow Crust Moon, is a time to honour the vision quest and/or the fasting of the bear.
While outside, students will answer various questions to stimulate learning, including, “what are all the Northern Ontario bears dreaming about?” and “what could their dreams mean to us?” Teachers will also connect the classroom curriculum to the outdoors.
Some classes may have the opportunity to experience walking with aagmak or snowshoes. Created in the shape of a bear paw, this traditional wood snowshoe is used for hunting, trapping, and long-distance treks into the forest.
Due to exams, secondary students have been invited to find an alternate day to participate.