I first heard about The Walking Classroom almost two years ago from Stephanie Moorman’s teaching blog, and I was so excited! I always try to squeak in more physical activity and content into my daily plans. The Walking Classroom offered the perfect solution!
Fast forward to today: The Walking Classroom has become a part of my weekly lesson plan! Now, for the first time, I’m beginning to draft my pre-candidacy essays for National Board Certification. Proposition Five deals with being a member of learning community and creating opportunities for students when faced with a deficit. In my mind, I wanted to correct my students’ lack of physical activity.
Below is an excerpt of a reflective essay about The Walking Classroom I am currently tweaking for (hopefully) my National Board portfolio:
It turns out that the biggest benefit of this program is the autonomy and academic success it has given my students. With the implementation of the program, I have “lead cars” and cabooses that set pace to a “fat burning” zone. I have parents that accompany us on walks and look over their children’s journal entries. I even have residents that wave to my students as we walk the neighborhood.
I’m not sure what other program could have provided us these invaluable gains. Most importantly, my students who historically arrived late or stayed home from class now eagerly attend class. The same students who rarely participated and who were lower achieving now write, complete homework, and pass their weekly podcast quizzes. The very nature of the program addresses a multitude of learning styles. My students’ achievement continues to impress me.
I could go on, but I’m trying not to seem too gushy! What an amazing roll out! I can’t wait to introduce next year’s class to The Walking Classroom.
Kathleen Vikos
4th Grade Teacher
PS 13 Queens
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