“Can we take a walk and listen to another podcast?” This quote came from a group of students I had the privilege of working with during our county summer school program.
Some teachers from other schools had brought a class set of Walking Classroom devices to our summer program. These allowed students the opportunity to take walks with teachers and learn about science, social studies, and language arts. I just knew I had to get these for our school to use!
Each year we see an increase in the number of students who have hyperactivity and attention needs. Studies indicate movement improves attention, creates engaging lessons, and improves mental health. Mental health is at the forefront of our school goals.
On our campus, we have a paved circular path for walking as well as outdoor trails next to our school. Why not use cross-curricular activities and learn while we take nature hikes and leg stretch breaks?
In Teaching with the Brain in Mind, author Eric Jensen says, “When we keep students active, we keep their energy levels up and provide their brains with the oxygen-rich blood needed for highest performance.” My goal is to give students a chance to get up and move while still learning. It’s important to build strong minds, bodies, and strengthen education!
Working with Donors Choose and The Walking Classroom, I was able to get a class set of Walking Classroom materials! They are shared among all our third through fifth grade classrooms. Our students have been walking, listening, and learning a few times each week. They get excited and ask when our next walk will be.
I also use the additional resources, videos, virtual field trips, puzzles, and other extras The Walking Classroom provides through its Adopter Resources page. These help build a strong understanding as we connect students’ auditory memory from the podcasts with the visuals in the videos. Our favorite so far? The volcanoes (4-#76, STEM-#19, Complete-#138) podcast!
If you get a chance to try The Walking Classroom with your students, go for it! Give your students a chance to build healthy bodies and minds at the same time! You (and your students) will love this program!
Pam Gatts
Third Grade Teacher
Hilltop Elementary
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