Watch this short video to see why you should support The Walking Classroom
“Your face would light up if you saw some of my biggest strugglers start to feel like they are the smartest ones in the school. Walking and listening helps them remember the lessons and one simple song reminds them of something so they can outwit the smartest ones! I am a BELIEVER!”
— Tina Criste, teacher
“What I like the most is that when I listen to the podcasts the information they tell me stays with me longer … and they help me think better to which is awesome.”
—Kaleb. 4th grader
“Because of you, we get to exercise outside and learn new and interesting facts almost every day!”—Kingsley, 5th grader
Since 2011, The Walking Classroom has been helping kids get healthier, get smarter, and simply enjoy school more.
In a time when recess and PE are being cut, the program gets students out of the classroom and walking, without sacrificing instructional time. Kids listen to fun, standards-aligned, educational podcasts while they walk. This simple but effective program is loved by students and teachers alike.
This physical activity not only helps kids stay healthy and strong, but it can also contribute to higher test scores, improved attendance, better behavior in class, enhanced leadership skills, and a lifetime of healthy habits.
How you can help
We have hundreds of teachers on our waiting list, which means thousands of students are still waiting (and sitting). Our ability to provide donated materials is wholly dependent on donations.
Our goal for our end-of-year holiday appeal is to raise $20,000.
That will enable us to put The Walking Classroom program in about 16 more classrooms.
Who are you helping?
With your contributions, we’ll be donating to eager and energetic teachers in low-income schools across the country.
You’ll be helping teachers like Janna Tolleson at a North Carolina school where 87% of students are eligible for free and reduced lunch:
“Currently, our school is the highest need school in Union County Schools. It is important for our students to gain experiences in order to enhance their learning and build their background knowledge. We often struggle with student’s ability to connect to everyday life because of their limited experiences. This program would encourage exposure to good literature, build vocabulary, allow for movement, exercise, and reduce discipline issues, encourage school attendance, and finally bring a technology concept to our students that they have not used.”
Or, Margot Centanni at a California school with 95% free and reduced lunch:
“Our students come from low income homes and do not have much opportunity to experience cutting-edge technology! In addition, family nutrition is extremely poor. Any type of physical activity is done here on campus, as it is not vital to these parents because lack healthy nutritional habits. The incorporation of these educational podcasts into the students’ physical activity would not only increase instructional time, it would also increase their daily exercise. Win-Win!!!”
Or, Chelsea Schweer at an Indiana school with 92% free and reduced lunch:
“The majority of my students live in apartments and mobile homes with limited access to outdoor spaces where they can play and be active after school. As is true with many children living in poverty, my students are at a higher risk of obesity related diseases. This program will expand their opportunity to get outside and be active while still maintaining academic rigor.”
Or, Alisha King at an Alabama school with 84% free and reduced lunch:
“I have a large number of students with diagnosed ADD and ADHD. I believe that all students, not just those, would love the opportunity to get up and moving while still learning their concepts! Engagement is a huge priority in keeping these students in school! My goal is to get students excited about coming to school so that they continue their education. We have a large drop out rate and I believe that the more I keep students engaged, the more they will learn to love learning!”
Can you help us reach our goal?
- Give to The Walking Classroom (no donation is too small)
- Spread the word by sharing this page with your friends and on social media.
Do your shopping through smile.amazon.com this holiday season (and all year long!). Select The Walking Classroom as your donation recipient.
Learn more about how The Walking Classroom works
›› Read about the science behind The Walking Classroom
›› Read success stories from some of our Walking Classroom adopters
›› Read student comments about The Walking Classroom
›› Check out our most recent year-end survey results