I have a very energetic and challenging group of kids, and they love The Walking Classroom! Since the kids know that we walk at least three days a week, I have seen a great decrease in student behavior issues. We start the day with a walk which sets the tone. Then, when my kids get a little “antsy,” we take a walk too! Kids come back refreshed and ready to learn!
After they listen to the podcast and see their neighbor is finished, the students discuss. They know this is my expectation, and they have done a really good job following through with it! The discussions have gotten much deeper and broader when I pose higher level questions to them about the podcasts. My favorite part of the walk? I love listening to them discuss their point of views about the podcast! The students are so enthusiastic when they walk and discuss.
I extend the lessons after we return from our walk. We make posters, we put on quick plays, and we write comics all about the different podcasts. The Walking Classroom definitely engages different learning styles!
Dawn Rensel
5th Grade Teacher
Gables Elementary
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