The Walking Classroom has really motivated my students to get up and move. To fill in some of the required P.E. minutes, we used to begin each morning with a run. Originally, there were daily complaints from some of the students. Those same students beg to walk now! They are more aware of their daily activity as well.
This program has been a wonderful addition to my classroom. For the past four years, I have taught a fourth/fifth grade split class. I love that the Walking Classroom is one way that all of my students can come together as a group and do the same activities. We walk on a consistent basis and then have discussions about the walk afterward. The Walking Classroom allows them to work across the grade levels, which I love!
Each student has a reflective journal for notes at the end of the walk. This year we have included a digital piece. Students started the year taking the online quizzes and now create their own quizzes to share with classmates.
Additionally, they are making a digital scrapbook of their walks using Google Slides. They turn each walk into a slide with information they learned so they will have a collection of information at the end of the year.
The program has also sparked wonderful discussions about healthy choices that are simple to make daily. I love that the Walking Classroom allows me to introduce my students to topics that I otherwise would not have an opportunity to address.
Parents have such positive things to say as well. It is great to hear how many students go home and share about their walks!
Kathleen Butler
4th/5th Grade Teacher
Spring Valley Elementary
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