Every year, the Walking Classroom team participates in dozens of conferences and virtual events across the country connecting with educators, administrators, wellness coordinators, and out-of-school time staff.
From addressing mental health challenges to questions about technology integration, educators are navigating pressing issues that require actionable responses.
What are the benefits of The Walking Classroom? Here’s why educators are sharing their positive experiences, including improvements in overall well-being, physical activity, and health literacy.
- Peer learning
Peer learning is essential to finding solutions in the education space. Within The Walking Classroom community, educators learn from one another about their experiences using and implementing the program. Leaders and peers share practical advice and real stories of student impact. By fostering a culture of collaboration, The Walking Classroom not only enriches educational practices, but also cultivates a network of educators dedicated to advancing student learning.
- Positive impacts on mental health and well-being
In St. Louis, Mo., educators say The Walking Classroom supports social-emotional learning and increases student and staff physical activity at the same time! The program offers a way to increase movement and integrate outdoor time, which supports their overall well-being and mental health. Aaron Stride, academic instructional coach with St. Louis Public Schools said, “It is incredible to see students who don’t normally love participating in PE join in on a walk and actually enjoy it.”
- Behavioral improvements
In Texas, staff from Plano Independent School District (Plano ISD) shared how The Walking Classroom promotes positive behavior while building core content knowledge. “Students get the opportunity to take a walk and never lose any instruction time,” said Sharon Bradley, Director of the Student, Family, and Community Services Department at Plano ISD. “Educators observed a reduction in behavioral issues following student participation in The Walking Classroom sessions while listening to podcasts. This allowed students to channel their energy in a more constructive manner, thereby creating an environment conducive to increased learning opportunities.”
- Health literacy
In Orlando, Fla., we heard how The Walking Classroom builds health literacy and healthy habits. Because each podcast episode features a short, health-related message, students learn about nutrition, the negative impacts of tobacco use, and the importance of staying hydrated.
- Outdoor Learning
Integrating outdoor time throughout the day can have a profound impact on student well-being. Without sacrificing instructional time, The Walking Classroom allows students to get fresh air and movement through an easy, interactive activity.
- Easy implementation
In Princeton, N.J. and Palm Springs, Calif., educators were adamant about how easy The Walking Classroom is to use. Staff can learn to facilitate the program with free online training and resources. Healthier Generation supports everyone who uses The Walking Classroom, from school settings to before and after school programs.
- Supports diverse learning styles
Administrators in Washington, D.C. found that The Walking Classroom met the needs of students with a wide variety of learning styles. Attendees at the ASCD Conference noted how the audio component of The Walking Classroom is invaluable for so many students who are auditory learners or who learn best through movement.
Interested in learning more? Connect with The Walking Classroom today to get started!
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