Our school is a Title I school with many families in need, and we have a diverse population. We have The Walking Classroom scheduled for twice a week, but our students ask for it almost every day. Usually, keeping kids interested is very difficult, but The Walking Classroom definitely holds students’ attention!
Students from our autistic center program spend part of the day in my room. It can be challenging to include them in our science lessons. However, The Walking Classroom seems to have the special touch! These students love joining the walk and retain so much of the information from the podcasts.
Several of my students also struggle with reading. Our science and social studies books are difficult for them to read. Having a podcast on the same topic we are reading helps build their comprehension in those subject areas. Listening to the podcast before the assignment is a wonderful support for their reading.
Our climate often means that the kids are inside without physical activity. Indoor recess means more sitting and less moving. Lucky us! We got to do laps around the inside of our school with The Walking Classroom. I believe this reduced the negative behaviors we often see when we are cooped up inside for weeks at a time.
The Walking Classroom is a wonderful addition to our curriculum, and we have learned so much. With so many benefits from the program — improved attention, ease of comprehension, and increased activity — its impact will be felt for years to come.
Linda Korovesis
4th Grade Teacher
Randolph Elementary
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