“Are We Walking and Learning Today?”

My fifth-graders love walking while they listen and learn with their WalkKits! They often ask, “Are we walking and learning today?”

The Walking Classroom’s lesson plans are helpful and easy to use. I like that the lessons seamlessly correspond with the fifth-grade standards—everything from language arts and social studies to science. The Walking Classroom has designed an excellent program, and it’s easy to implement.

As I teach lessons, I look at the list of the 160+ podcasts, separated by subject, and choose one that aligns with my teaching. The lesson plans include the podcast length (usually 15 minutes), character value, and the health message for each podcast; this is a great help for planning.

Before the walk, we review essential vocabulary and definitions and build background by asking questions. After the walk, I use the included questions for discussions; it couldn’t be easier! There’s even a comprehension quiz; I can print and assess what students learn. It’s a win-win situation! Students receive a unique and different way to learn, get fresh air, and exercise, and they have fun (me, too!).

In California, we have had an unusual amount of rain this year, which generally would keep students inside all day, but students can get exercise as they use the WalkKIts and walk under the eaves of the building.

Also, as the end of the school year is fast approaching and state testing is finished, it will be nice to continue using the WalkKIts. I plan to have the students pick podcasts that interest them, listen and learn, and then give a speech to the class on what they learned.

Thank you for this opportunity!

Marla Franklin
Fifth Grade Teacher
Warwick Elementary

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