The national award-winning Walking Classroom program provides students and teachers with an innovative way to get exercise without sacrificing instructional time. The evidence-based nonprofit program’s “Walk, Listen, and Learn” methodology capitalizes on the favorable link between exercise and cognitive function.
Perfect for students in grades 3 through 8!
The program can be used in:
- Classrooms
- Out-of-school time programs
- Summer programs
- And other educational settings
›› Watch a live or on-demand webinar
How The Walking Classroom Program Works
The Walking Classroom program is simple: Students take brisk 20-minute walks as a class while listening to the same custom-written, kid-friendly podcast that comes preloaded on their WalkKit (audio player) or via our new mobile app. Each podcast begins with a brief health literacy message and includes a character value woven throughout the narrative. The lesson plans and quizzes in the available Teacher’s Guide help educators effectively discuss and review the podcast material.
Aligned to state standards, the podcast topics are appropriate for students in grades 3–8. Podcasts topics include English language arts, social studies, science, and more.
Our WalkKit audio players can be shared among classes and reused year after year. And, you now have the option of using our mobile app on both Android and Apple devices.
Podcast Topics
Check out the full list of Walking Classroom educational podcast topics and their related health messages and character values below.
- The Walking Classroom Complete Program podcasts (167 podcasts*)
- STEM Program podcasts (61 podcasts)
- The Walking Classroom podcasts available on our mobile app (191 podcasts*)
* The “Complete Program” WalkKit has only 167 podcasts due to the limitation of space on the WalkKit audio player. Our Science Career series makes up 16 of the 24 podcasts eliminated from the “Complete Program” WalkKit. Those 16 podcasts are freely available via iTunes and on this website.
›› Click here to listen to sample podcasts
The positive link between exercise and cognitive function
In addition to the obvious health benefits of walking, there is much research confirming the link between exercise and cognitive function. Students return to the classroom in better moods, more focused, and more likely to engage in post-walk discussions. Teachers regularly report that after implementing The Walking Classroom, students retain the information better, demonstrate better behavior and engagement in the classroom, and perform better on standardized exams.
While all students benefit from the increased activity and educational content of The Walking Classroom, inactive children and children with low academic achievement stand to benefit the most. The Walking Classroom also provides teachers and out-of-school time professionals with an innovative tool to meet the needs of their students with alternative learning styles such as ADHD, dyslexia, and/or autism.