One of the main benefits of The Walking Classroom is increasing students’ physical activity (without sacrificing instructional time!). Beyond this benefit, educators using the program also cite other benefits related to students’ well-being. These include improved health literacy and healthy habits. And, a 2018-2019 research study confirms just that!
Increases Physical Activity
One of the greatest benefits of the Walking Classroom is the way it integrates movement into the learning process. Students are able to get outside and get some fresh air and exercise, which has been shown to improve both physical and mental health. At the same time, they are able to learn important content in a unique and memorable way, which helps to improve retention and understanding. I truly enjoy the discoveries that are made with this program.
– Denise Johnson, Georgia
I love how easy it is for teachers to use this as an active brain break for their students, add it onto their everyday routine or use it as they see fits best for their class.
– Morgan Ralphs, Missouri
We have really enjoyed walking, listening, and learning. We are fascinated by the way our bodies work and how we are able to walk (which is great for our heart), learn/listen (which is great for our brain) and be in community (walk with our teacher and classmates).
– Yesenia De Luna, Illinois
Our afterschool children from 2nd grade to 6th grade have already sat in classrooms for almost eight hours. The Walking Classroom allows these precious students to get active. We still can focus on academics while helping our children to become healthy active children.
– Chris White, Georgia
I have seen so many benefits from The Walking Classroom, and some that I wasn’t expecting. I was hoping that students would get some exercise and learn some new things about reading, math, history and science. They did that. What they got out it, however, was so much more than that.
– Kristen Wirth, Montana
Our students have truly enjoyed getting a break from the classroom to get fresh air and exercise while learning!
– Sarah Szulwach, New York
The Walking Classroom has allowed us to get extra fresh air and exercise during the school day. My third grade students have really enjoyed the opportunity to walk, listen, and learn.
– Jessica Campton, North Carolina
The Walking Classroom gets us out of the traditional classroom, allows us to get fresh air and exercise and piques students’ interest in various topics.
– Cynthia Carnes, Texas
It is so wonderful to have an opportunity to take our kids outside to get exercise while also generating interesting conversations after listening to the podcasts.
– Heather Harrell, New Mexico
Fosters Health Literacy and Healthy Habits
I absolutely love the energy, excitement, and health benefits this program instills.
– Joanne dePoutiloff, Pennsylvania
The Walking Classroom has really helped with my students’ stamina — listening and walking! I love how the program also has healthy choices and self esteem/social emotional lessons built in!
– Juliann Caveny, Illinois
The benefits of The Walking Classroom are critical at such a challenging time. Our students are dealing with the repercussions from the COVID-19 pandemic, so healthy methods for dealing with stress and learning loss are key.
– Heather Maguire, North Carolina
The Walking Classroom works toward our goal of healthy, well rounded students. I especially like how The Walking Classroom generates discussions about health and safety. Sometimes, hearing those messages from peers instead of adults hits home with the students in a way we cannot.
– Sherry Nicolia, Pennsylvania
We look forward to our Walking Classroom days. My students have already started to rethink their choices for snack each day! I love getting them out into our neighborhood to walk and build our community relationships.
– Mary Porter, North Carolina
We are a middle school group of emergent bilingual students with students in a small rural community. The Walking Classroom has been invaluable for these students to talk about their health and get outside hearing the English language while learning important content. We have taken the WalkKits out through our entire winter season and the kids have loved getting outside even when it was cold. Thank you for changing these kids’ lives one walk at a time.
– Marin Shanahan, Colorado
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