When Columbus Gifted Academy opened last year, I became a third grade teacher for the first time. A colleague had recommended that I check out The Walking Classroom. I was thrilled to be able to use the program! Although I teach third grade students, most of the content is applicable, particularly because my students are gifted and often accelerated in subject material. It is amazing how seamless the connection between instruction and The Walking Classroom’s topics can be!
Our school is currently housed in a historic German neighborhood, and in social studies, we focus on our community. What an incredible opportunity to listen to the podcasts as we walk several times a week through the beautiful neighborhood whose history we have studied! Many of the students have long bus rides from all over the city. Starting the day with a walk helps wake up their minds and bodies. It also prepares them to learn. Toward the end of our walks, we always have just a minute or two before re-entering the building. My students love discussing the question posed to them on the podcast and talking about the interesting things they have learned on their walk.
The Walking Classroom is an incredible way to extend and enrich the curriculum, start the day off with sunshine and activity, and bring a smile to the face of our scholars and their teacher!
Tiffany Tripp
3rd Grade Teacher
Columbus Gifted Academy
YEAHHHHHH!!! Tiffany, I am so glad that you saw how “engaging”, “beneficial” and “fun” the walking classroom was for my class! I am thrilled to see that you implemented this in your classroom as well! The benefits are truly noticeable from each and every walk! It is such a great way to get parents involved as well! I am so excited for you and your kiddos!
Thank you so much for recommending this program! It’s become such an important part of what we do.