This post is the first in this year’s 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 Kim Collazo’s class.
“When is Walking Club starting again?” I can’t even count how many of my STEM students have asked me that question since our return to school in late August. They love it, and they miss it!
Starting with STEM
Here at Robbins Elementary in rural North Carolina, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math is one of our specials. I have the awesome job of teaching all of our students the amazing content related to STEM topics every week. That’s 430 Pre-K through fifth grade students!
As a classroom teacher, I used The Walking Classroom program with my fifth grade students. I knew I had to bring it to our STEM program here at Robbins.
Walking Clubs Take Off!
Two years ago, we were granted with a set of WalkKits programmed with STEM content. Since then, we have maintained fourth and fifth grade Walking Clubs. These clubs meet once a week during school to gain the benefits of getting exercise outside while learning more about science and engineering topics.
Our fourth and fifth grade teachers choose students in their classrooms they feel would especially benefit from this unique way of learning. Although this would be awesome for EVERY kid, our space is limited because I serve so many students.
It’s Club Time!
When the walkers come to the STEM lab for club time, we discuss the topic of the day’s podcast. We take some time to share anything we may already know about it.
Many of our students are English language learners, so we also make a point of front loading any vocabulary the students might hear during our walk. We always take some time to go over the quiz questions prior to the walk as well. This really helps with our focus!
When we return from walking around the large field on our campus (or the hallway route if it’s raining!), each student takes the quiz and returns to class. Whoever has the highest number of answers correct has the privilege of choosing the podcast for the next week!
Rave Reviews
Teachers and students alike have raved about the increase in content knowledge, focus upon returning to the regular classroom, and enjoyment of being part of the Walking Club. We can’t wait to have more “Happy Trails” this school year!
Kim Collazo
Pre-K to 5 STEM Teacher
Robbins Elementary
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