Social-emotional learning with The Walking Classroom

Weaving character values throughout the lessons supports social-emotional learning

The Walking Classroom gets kids walking, listening, and learning while also supporting social and emotional learning by incorporating important character values throughout each podcast lesson. Discussion questions related to the topic’s character value are included in lesson plans in the available Teacher’s Guide. These discussions, which take place after walking and listening to the podcasts, help solidify learning as well as reinforce those values. This social emotional activity for kids will help built their social skills and emotional learning.

›› Download this list of podcast titles and their corresponding character values and health messages. (Note: This file lists all podcast titles available on our mobile app. For the list of topics available on our preloaded WalkKit audio players (Complete program version), click here.)

Each podcast also begins with a brief health message to build health literacy. The physical activity gained from walks not only helps kids stay healthy and strong, but it can also contribute to higher test scores, improved attendance, better behavior in class, enhanced leadership skills, and a lifetime of healthy habits. Teacher’s routinely report that their Walking Classroom days have 100% attendance!

What else happens?

Confidence soars as The Walking Classroom helps level the playing field so struggling students are able to feel as smart as their peers.

• Kids who struggle with reading are suddenly able to participate in the discussion (and excel!)
• Kids who have trouble sitting still have an opportunity to burn off energy (and learn the material!)
• Kids with different learning styles now can absorb the material in a way that fits them (that’s also fun!)

Great for physically distanced in-class learning, remote learning at home, or hybrid learning environments.

Used as designed, the program naturally allows for physical distancing between students as they walk—both at school and at home.

So how does The Walking Classroom work to support social-emotional learning?

Students each need either our new mobile app or a preloaded “WalkKit” audio device with custom-written, entertaining, and educational podcasts on science, language arts, and history.

Students go for a brisk 20-minute walk while listening to the podcasts.
›› Listen to a sample podcast on The Boston Massacre
›››› Character Value: Acceptance
›››› Health Message: Peer pressure

›› Listen to more sample podcasts

Afterwards, lesson plans and quizzes help educators lead discussions to synthesize and solidify learning, as well as spark deeper discussions of the character values and health messages.
›› Download the Boston Massacre Lesson Plan

But does it work?

Yes! Follow the links below to learn more.

• Read the results of a research study by researchers at UNC-CH that confirms the impact of walking on learning
• Read about the science behind The Walking Classroom
  
• Read success stories from some of our Walking Classroom adopters
  
• Read student comments about The Walking Classroom
  
• Check out our most recent year-end survey results

PLACE AN ORDER HERE!