One of the best things about being part of The Walking Classroom is the love. Yes, that’s right! Every day is a chance to feel the love — to hear or read about positive experiences with the program. A whole lot of that love, and some pretty glowing recommendations (if I do say so myself!) come from teachers and students who are currently using the program. And what better day than Valentine’s Day to share the love with some sample snippets from the thousands of thank you notes we’ve received this school year alone?
What the Teachers Tell Us …
“Many of the students share that using The Walking Classroom helps clear their minds of all the other events of the day and allows them to focus on just one thing … the speaker and the lesson. The students appreciate the time they get to clear their minds and the focus they have on their work back in the classroom is improving!” — Dr. Sara Laughlin, Colorado
“This program has become a ‘game changer’ for my students … Each time we walk, students are learning new vocabulary, new content knowledge, as well as discovering new health tips! There is something to interest every student.” — Nancy Carroll, Massachusetts
“I discovered that not only are my students becoming more physically fit, but I am also feeling refreshed and ready to begin my day after a brisk walk around the school or football field.” — Latonya Taylor-Rowe, Kentucky
“My whole fifth grade team and I have worked out a schedule to share the WalkKits, so 82 kids are learning and walking each week! We plan the podcasts according to our units. They are engaging, rigorous, and relevant. The kids and I are so refreshed and ready to learn even more after our morning walks! The program is wonderful, and we are so thankful!” — Jenny Rynearson, Oregon
“I am so grateful for our school being chosen for such a wonderful gift. Our children look forward to the walks and find it easier to learn in a non-pressure environment — the community … This is something that will impact our students for years to come.” — Sheila Stephens, North Carolina
“It’s amazing how getting outside and enjoying the fresh air while learning really energizes all of us. My students and I frequently come back to the classroom with smiles on our faces and a new bounce in our steps … I wish every classroom had the chance to experience this.” — Sarah Reynolds, Maine
What the Students Have to Say …
“The WalkKits are exquisite little machines.” — Maximiliano, Tennessee
“This is going to boost up education to the next level.” — Emma, Indiana
“It feeds our brains the information that we need to know.” — Jose, California
“When I listen … everything goes quiet and I learn.” — Tatiana, Arizona
“My favorite podcast is Hercules, Robin Hood, and Heroes of Today .. I have learned that everyone can be heroes, even small people … that podcast made me feel like I can do anything.” — Kadence, New Mexico
“The Walking Classroom is not just another story. It’s a real page flipper.” — Rhonda, North Carolina
“Sometimes I like to think of it as recess for my ears.” — Kaleb, Oklahoma
“Our teacher lets us do research on some of the facts we hear in the stories. We are constantly learning. P.S. ‘Constantly’ is one of our spelling words.” — Maliyah, Arizona
“The Walking Classroom is a ‘win-win’ situation. It’s a win for our teachers, and it’s a win for our bodies because it’s giving us time to exercise and time to learn topics.” — Keith, North Carolina
“The Walking Classroom has got me out of my seat and ready to learn.” — Jamie, North Carolina
“I like Walking Classroom for many reasons, but here are three of them. First, it’s very healthy. Second, it’s EDUCATIONAL! And last, lots of schools and people dismiss the idea of kids being able to go outdoors and learn things that don’t need to be learned outside, but not you. You were not afraid to take that chance.” — Jackson, North Carolina
“Thank you for The Walking Classroom. You changed my life.” — Michaela, Arkansas
One of my favorite comments from my student letters was, “I think that it helps people who struggle with reading and I am truly grateful.” I love the discussions that our class participate in after the listening to the lesson because everyone participates.
I asked my students to include in their thank-you notes their favorite walk so far and why. 50% of my students mentioned “Slimy Shields” and taught my donors a thing or two about snot!
Yes! My students enjoyed that podcast as well.