The Walking Classroom is incorporated into all that we do! It is integral to our learning and so much fun. The variety of podcasts allows us to walk and learn in all subject areas, and the topics are universally enjoyed. By incorporating some of the additional resources, we are able to frame our listening around BIG idea questions.
Before walking, we prepare with a ten question “What do I Know?” activity in which students activate prior knowledge on the podcast topic. Sometimes, before walking, we also prepare with games. One class favorite is “10 for 10”. Students are given ten words that are part of the podcast and must make ten predictions as a group before walking.
When we return, we discuss and debrief. Sometimes this is done in partnerships, sometimes in small groups, and often as a class. Quick checks, word clouds, and quick writes are all tools that we use to process what we have listened to, along with our ten statements about what we learned on our walk. The Walking Classroom is instrumental in building our discussion skills.
Throughout the year, it is not uncommon to hear, “That reminds me of the podcast we listened to on The Walking Classroom . . .” Students remember, recall, and integrate the information they learned using The Walking Classroom!
Paula Venable
4th Grade Teacher
Santiago Hills Elementary
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