What do our adopters have to say? Enjoy this sampling of comments about the program’s benefits from the open-ended questions on the 2018 – 2019 Year-End Teacher Survey.
Mood-Enhancement and Behavior Improvement
I’ve noticed that kids known for behavior problems beg to do The Walking Classroom and also benefit the most from the movement.
– Adrienne Daniels, North Carolina
It is great to get out of the classroom and take a walk. Both the students and I come back into the classroom so energized and ready to learn for the rest of the day.
– Rochelle Swartz, Florida
After spending some time outside, the benefits are immediately apparent. Behavior improves, there is less anxiety, and the students are ready to learn.
– Leigh Ann Bailey, North Carolina
Health Benefits and Health Awareness
Once I began talking to the kids about being healthier, it really started to hit home with me as well. Each time the kids have gone out, I have tried to go with them. I want to show them that you can start making changes for a healthier lifestyle at any age!
– Amanda Moose, North Carolina
The Walking Classroom allows my students to exercise, learn tips about healthy living, gain values to practice, as well as build background and learn many different topics while having fun.
– Anne Martin, New Jersey
My students actually beg to do the lessons on the podcasts and walk outside daily. I am always amazed at what they learn and remember after listening to the lessons as well as the connections they make to what we have learned this year. This is such a wonderful way to promote health, wellness. and exercise while learning important skills and standards.
– Sandra Harris, North Carolina
We love using this resource. There are some great connections on the podcasts we have learned and used, especially in our writing. It’s been a great way to learn and be healthy at the same time.
– Debbie Brand, Illinois
This program inspires my students to be physically active while learning. It has inspired me to take up a healthier lifestyle as well.
– Jill Booker, North Carolina
Academic Benefits? Kudos for Content!
I love the fact that I can incorporate the podcasts across content areas because I am self-contained and teach all subjects.
– Josephine Jordan, Louisiana
I love the content of the podcasts and the teacher resources, and the physical activity students are getting while they learn. I also enjoy watching my students engaged in partner discussion about the lessons to which they’ve listened.
– Ali Featherston, Missouri
My class loves The Walking Classroom! They enjoy being outdoors, listening to the speakers, and connecting the lessons to content we’re already working on! During class discussion they will reference things they heard in the podcasts.
– Laura Gerlach, Georgia
Discussion and Engagement . . . check!
The Walking Classroom is an amazing program that aligns with our belief as a school that learning should be exciting. The students look forward to our weekly walks and are engaged the whole time.
– Emily Shagena, North Carolina
This is such a wonderful way to get students moving and enhance concepts, listening comprehension, and discussion.
– Renee Tellez, Connecticut
The Walking Classroom has been such an amazing resource for our fourth grade team. It is something that both teachers and students look forward to each week. Even after our first nine weeks, I saw a huge change in the way my students collaborated with each other. In large part, I believe it is due to the wonderful lessons and discussions we have taken part in from listening to the podcasts.
– Kelly Nisbet, North Carolina
I love seeing my students’ faces and hearing their realizations during those post-walk discussions . . . The best is when they realize that achieving goals can be difficult, but passion and persistence is the key
– Jena Piacenti, Alaska
The students absolutely look forward to walking and listening to podcasts. As an educator I’m often amazed when it appears a student is distracted while walking, yet when we have follow-up discussion, that student is able to relay detailed, pertinent information.
– Deborah Rector, West Virginia
Other Benefits? Differentiation for Learning Styles
The Walking Classroom is perfect for educators looking for a program for their classroom that incorporates learning styles, physical exercise, multi-media presentation format (slides, video, quizzes, and audio), structure pacing guide, and support!
– Chad Davis, North Carolina
As a teacher with many reluctant readers, this gives me the perfect avenue to increase motivation and engagement in our lessons. The students absolutely love it.
– Sara Schwartz, Missouri
We have been able to bring multi-sensory content delivery to our students this year, and it is making a difference for our students.
– Sabrah Witkamp, Florida
The Walking Classroom is a fun and easy to use program with interesting content. After listening to a podcast on slave life and rebellion, students recalled more of what they heard using the WalkKits than what they read in the textbook. My EC students were especially engaged and actively shared what they learned.
– Phillip Jackman, North Carolina
The more I learned about The Walking Classroom, the more convinced I was that this program would be ideal for the many dyslexic and ADD learners that I serve . . We are thrilled to have The Walking Classroom as a resource in our classroom. I have been amazed at the increase in information retention my students have demonstrated.
– Kimberly McDonald, Utah
TWC is interactive and creates wonderful classroom discussions. This program is totally unique in that it addresses multiple learning styles that are not traditionally addressed.
– Amanda Bailey, North Carolina
. . . and Some Other Benefits Too!
In a world of sedentary lifestyles, it is so important for our kids to get up and get moving, but with more and more content to teach, it is hard to fit movement in during the school day. The Walking Classroom allows us to combine exercise and learning in a wonderful way!
– Dallas Mitchell, North Carolina
From our very first lesson, students were able to retain information as well as become totally engaged in the podcast. They participated in think, pair, share activities, as well as individual quizzes to check for mastery.
– Kerra Samuel, U.S. Virgin Islands
I’m amazed at the enthusiasm the students and parents are showing towards the program, and I love seeing the results of use! Students are excited to attend school and are eager to hear the next podcast and discuss the content we are studying. Students that normally have trouble getting to school on time are eager to get to school in the mornings!
– Kristin Kelly, North Carolina
We are a Title I school. Many of our students don’t have a lot of opportunity to be exposed to the world outside their small community, and we often lack the materials to fill in that background knowledge. This program is like getting to go on a field trip every week. The students love getting fresh air while also learning something new.
– Caitlin Watson, Florida
I have noticed with The Walking Classroom students and myself return to the classroom more energized, more engaged, and in an overall better mood than we were before using this incredible program.
– Amanda Martin, North Carolina
I have a student that is a recent refugee from Afghanistan. English is difficult to learn, but he loves listening, and it is helping him become a part of the group. Walking and listening as a group is a shared experience that builds a sense of community and helps everyone feel connected.
– Linda Korovesis, Michigan
Now, go experience the benefits for yourself . . . Happy Trails!
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