I serve as my school’s librarian and I use The Walking Classroom to support many different curricular areas and grade levels to make connections with core content area teachers. Teachers love when I suggest a podcast and then utilize the teacher resources on The Walking Classroom’s Adopter Resources page! It is so easy for me to bring in a piece of literature (a picture book), use the vocabulary builder, and take the kids out of their normal setting to engage with the podcast!
The feedback from students is incredible. They love the change of pace, sharing comments about “how peaceful it is” or telling me “it’s nice to do something different” or “wow! I get this — I’m still learning!”
The podcasts give every student a chance to connect with content and then allow the classroom teacher to extend the lesson with their materials. Our ESL students use The Walking Classroom weekly and it helps with discussion and communication. We have also used the podcasts to make connections with current events!
Our school is located in Pennsylvania and we have been able to walk every single month. During the rain and colder weather, we have an indoor route and some classes have special passes so that when they are walking indoors, other teachers and classes know what is going on. When kids see me in the halls, they want to know when their next walk will be. I would encourage anyone using The Walking Classroom to think about how they can extend their use to their entire grade level or building!
Andrea Roberts
Librarian
Pottstown Middle School
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