This post is part of our Walk This Way series, designed to share The Walking Classroom experiences of teachers and students across the United States. This post provides a glimpse into Amy Schott’s class.
Hello! Welcome to my fifth-grade Walking Classroom! Here in North Carolina, with fewer than 30 days with students left in the year, we are starting to look at end-of-year procedures. Here are a few steps that I take at the end of each year to wrap up my Walking Classroom.
Enjoying End-of-Year Walks
Speaking of steps, first, I schedule my end-of-year walks. The last week of school we usually get in a walk a day! If I have curriculum I am still trying to sneak in, I will pull those podcasts. Otherwise, I pick a few, and give students a choice.
These last walks are wonderful. With testing over, students are usually pretty antsy. The walks get out a bit of energy, calm students, and help refocus them for the classroom. They also give students a voice in their learning!
Getting the “Loaners” Back
Secondly, I need to make sure I get my WalkKits I “loaned out” back. With a smaller class size than usual this year, I had a few extra WalkKits.
I had two parents who were very interested in taking extra walks and discussing the podcasts with their child, so I let them borrow WalkKits for a couple of months. What a great way to give parents a tool to discuss lessons with their child! I would so recommend WalkKits as a great way to exercise with your child while supporting curriculum!
Preparing to Pack Up!
The third step occurs after our last walk, on the second to last day of school (our last day is only graduation). A student helper assists me in taking out all the batteries and cleaning off all the surfaces of the WalkKits. We do inventory and safely box everything up for August!
Lastly, my own WalkKit and a copy of the Table of Contents is packed to go home with me for the summer. This year, I am going to bring a second, so my husband can join me in listening and brainstorming where the lessons can best be used next year! Happy Trails!
Amy Schott
Fifth Grade Teacher
Fox Road Magnet Elementary
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