Working with students with exceptional needs requires innovation and patience. The reality is that when students suffer from disabilities that impact their learning, teachers have to work harder and smarter to be able to assist their students’ learning. My students and myself have really just gotten into the swing of things using The Walking Classroom. I believe we have struck gold!
The fact that my students have proven to want to use The Walking Classroom for their personal growth makes me feel very complete. We still have standard criteria which we must meet, but the reality is that the students want to take the time to complete the walks and the given lesson materials. We have even extended lessons due to the students’ interest in the topics.
While taking our class walks, we have noticed that other students are questioning why we get to use “mp3 players” to walk the hallways/gym or outside when the weather permits. They have asked if they could be allowed to join our class so that they too could have the chance to use the program. Fellow educators and educational program administrators have even taken notice of our class utilizing The Walking Classroom!
I believe this type of positive attention makes my students proud and helps provide a form of satisfaction for them in the educational setting. Unfortunately, my students do not always get to the chance to receive positive praise in the realm of education, but this program is providing that chance. Those of us who work with students of all educational levels know that finding something fun and educational for a multitude of students can be a daunting task. At this point, The Walking Classroom has helped to reach that culmination of educational achievement. Let us keep pushing to make this program become a true success!
Keric Seals
Exceptional Education Instructor
Bryan Station Middle School
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