We started using The Walking Classroom in December and the kids are loving it. They have become obsessed with the weather because they know that it has an impact on our library walking classroom time. The first day we walked, a reluctant reader told me, “This is better than recess because I can walk and learn at the same time!” My mind was blown!
I focus on what students are learning in the classroom, so I collaborated with the teachers to incorporate Native American Mound Builders (4-#72, Complete-#96) after we did the first couple of nutrition lessons. The students like to tell their classroom teachers about what they have learned and they tell me all about their classroom research while in library class.
I used Eleanor Roosevelt (5-#91, Complete-#120) and Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony (5-#53, Complete-#95) for Women’s History Month and Negro Baseball League (5-#4, Complete-#121) for Black History Month. I will round out the year with more lessons from their classroom to collaborate.
The Walking Classroom has been great for the students and great for me. I feel like a rockstar librarian after a walk with my kiddos! The program works great within my library time too, because I still have time for check outs and reading time. The provided supporting activities are flexible, so I can stretch them out or condense them in my remaining time in class.
Elisha Stroupe
Library Media Specialist
Fayetteville R-III Schools
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