Two years ago, our school won a grant for a remodel of our playground. Prior to that, the playground was literally dirt with a swing set, a baseball backstop, and just a few other climbing structures. I was on the team to determine the new design. We needed grass, some shade structures, trees, and most important for me — a walking path. The new playground has all that and a sprinkler system too!
The plan was to come up with family activities for this new playground as it is the only neighborhood park for miles around! Then, COVID hit. We pushed on though, trying to make school seem like normal in a very crazy time.
Next, I applied for a grant for a set of Walking Classroom devices and got it! So exciting! I requested permission for an after school club. Even with all the COVID restrictions, I got that too!
My next task? To see if any students would be interested in joining. That’s a little daunting ,knowing how kids these days view “learning opportunities”! I made a video of myself walking with one of the devices, added in the video of The Walking Classroom’s founder, Laura Fenn, visiting a school in California, then added a video of me talking about the possible topics to which we would listen. Then, I waited for responses . . .
It only took about an hour. Walking through the school’s hallways, I heard, “Oh, Mrs. Bandeira, I just saw you on a video for that walking club. I want to do it!” Yes! The kids were interested and excited!
Update: We start The Walking Classroom Club next week! I’ll keep you posted as to how it goes, but I’m very optimistic about this activity! Next year, we plan to implement the program in classrooms with classroom teachers! Thanks for such a great program!
Elizabeth Bandeira
Fourth Grade ELL Teacher
Will Rogers Elementary
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