The students in my classroom require many brain breaks throughout the day. Having the Walking Classroom as one of our breaks is such a treat!
Although this “break” takes a bit longer, it is helpful because the students can listen to podcasts that align with our curriculum to reinforce lessons while getting their bodies moving at the same time. As most teachers, I struggle to find time for PE minutes (100 per week) and time to fit in all of our science and social studies content too. The Walking Classroom has helped me this year by not only providing another option for a brain break and body movement, but also covering PE minutes, listening evaluations, and standards based curriculum.
This year I found myself scrambling to fit in as much as I could about the Revolutionary War before my students participated in a simulation about the War. The Walking Classroom has podcasts on many of the events, important people, and even “The Star Spangled Banner“ (5-#64, Complete-#74) which my students had to sing during the simulation. I was able to cover plenty of content with the help of the Walking Classroom just in time for their simulation!
Another challenge my colleagues and I have each year is finding concrete evaluations for our listening grade on our report cards. The quizzes that go with each podcast have helped to provide us with additional measures to evaluate our students’ listening. When we don’t have a podcast that aligns with what we are currently studying, I draw names and the chosen student gets to select our topic for that day.
Having another option for a brain break and body movement (and more!) has been helpful in my classroom this year.
Gina Wheeler
Teacher
Calavera Hills Elementary
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