With all the changes (and challenges!) introduced by COVID-19, The Walking Classroom remains a reliable constant to supplement and support student learning. No matter the situation — in-school learning with physical distancing, remote learning or hybrid learning — teachers tell us The Walking Classroom is there for educators and students!
In-School Learning with Physical Distancing
This program is a great way to get students up out of their desks and moving. It is perfect with the COVID distancing guidelines
– Sheri Preskenis, Oregon
During the 2020-2021 school year, we were fortunate enough to be in-person the entire school year. We were encouraged from the beginning of the school year to get outside as much as possible and get the kids some fresh air, along with allowing them to spread out and take breaks from their masks. The Walking Classroom was PERFECT for this! Not only were we getting outside and taking mask breaks–we were learning while we walked!
– Brittany Pierce, Illinois
Students are able to socially distance and still use The Walking Classroom. It is a great resource.
– Kristin Kelly, North Carolina
We were in person teaching five days a week . . . The Walking Classroom provided a perfect way to get outside, stay socially distanced, and walk and learn.
– Ali Coletta, Pennsylvania
TWC for Remote Learning (with WalkKits and/or app!)
The Walking Classroom was an essential part of virtual learning for my class. It gave a much needed break from screen time and encouraged physical movement at a time when many of my students were rarely leaving the home/apartment.
– Linda Korovesis, Michigan
This was a year to remember! And the perfect year for to have The Walking Classroom . . . I distributed my WalkKits to the students, fearing some might never be returned to me or that others would have difficulty using the program. I am happy to report that ALL students were able to access the program, either with their WalkKits or by using the newly released and developed web-based version of The Walking Classroom app. This web availability was a game changer for anyone who may have lost their WalkKits because it meant everyone could access this incredible program.
– Christy Rockwood, Massachusetts
TWC has been a lifesaver during distance learning! It was perfect for getting kids away from their screens and moving and learning.
– Kathie Yonemura, California
In the year of COVID, it was uncertain how we could incorporate The Walking Classroom into instruction. Luckily, I was able to get access to the Walking Classroom App. This let us continue our tradition of using The Walking Classroom during the school day even while learning from home.
– Katherine Brennan, New York
During Covid-19, I sent the WalkKits home with my students and we used Google Meets to conduct our discussions before and after the kids took their walks. We didn’t all walk at the same time; the kids had a day or two to get their walks in. Though in person learning is the best, it was a good way to continue a structured activity we were used to before the shutdown.
– Mary Hanson, Wisconsin
This past year was such a struggle, yet having access to the Walking Classroom podcasts through the app was very helpful. My students really enjoyed the opportunity to benefit from these lessons from the comfort of their homes.
– Ellen Smith, Illinois
The Walking Classroom app is a wonderful way to support remote learning and keep kids engaged!
– Sara Puglia, North Carolina
. . . and for Hybrid Learning
We are in a hybrid model and I am able to use The Walking Classroom with my in-person cohort. It actually works for keeping kids active outside, yet staying six feet apart!
– Susie Hoard, California
The Walking Classroom was GREAT during COVID-19! It allowed us to get outside and social distance while still learning . . . I kept up my same routine with the program at school and used The Walking Classroom’s web-based mobile app for those kids stuck at home for quarantines.
– Kari Lawson, Tennessee
This past year has been extremely challenging for schools and, more particularly, teachers. Having to pivot and teach online and in-person at the same time was extremely hard for some of the teachers, so having resources that could be used in both “worlds” proved invaluable! We were able to send our WalkKits home to the virtual students, so they could participate with their in-person peers.
– Tami Taylor, Arizona
Using The Walking Classroom during the 2020-2021 school year was bound to be a challenge, but having the program definitely helped. I ended up checking out units to students who were at home to use so that when the small group of in-person students were participating, the remote students could as well.
– Stephanie Marquez, Georgia
Teachers Tell Us TWC Works for All Approaches
Being in school during the pandemic wasn’t always easy, but when we used Walking Classroom, the students were able to walk some of their stress away, and get a break from their masks. Not only did they learn about school related content, but how to stay healthy as well.
– Sara Nordlund, Michigan
We’d spent an entire year of sitting in individual desks vs. tables, eating lunch in the classroom vs. cafeteria, not sharing any supplies or books, not being able to work in groups with partners. Being able to get my students outdoors and out of the classroom we’d felt so confined to all year was a true treat for them!
– Julie Hammer, Mississippi
This has been a challenging year in many ways for all of us. My experience in my twenty years of teaching did not even begin to prepare me for what we as educators have gone through. The saddest piece of all was watching my students, especially my special needs students, be affected by the impact of remote learning both academically and emotionally. Upon return to the school building, I found my box from The Walking Classroom. I can’t begin to tell you how amazing it was to see the smiles on the faces of my students. The ability to move around outside and return a little piece of “normal” was monumental!
– Michele Williams, New York
Leave a Reply