In honor of Afterschool Professionals Week (this week, April 22-26!), we are sharing a few extra “stories” this week, from some of our favorite out-of-school time adopters. Read on, and look for more OST Tales as the week continues!
The Walking Classroom is loved by all of our students. And since spring has finally sprung, our students have been excited to get outdoors!
Since our school is located along a heavily travelled highway, walking around our neighborhood can be challenging. Some days, we hit the playground and basketball court with the classic “Follow the Leader” game. “Leaders” are chosen by their peers for their leadership skills, behavior, and character building skills.
The first student leader begins the journey of walking, creating a path that has to be followed by the rest of the students. When I hold up a colored sign, that leader taps the next leader on the shoulder. The next leader takes over and the students continue walking.
The students are currently wearing pedometers along with their WalkKits. They love to count their steps, a task that also promotes math skills, as students work on learning place value. However, if the podcast ends before they reach their step target – they beg to listen again to a podcast they have already heard.
The Walking Classroom is definitely a WIN-WIN for all students who have the privilege to participate!
Helen Bocook
OST Professional
Catlettsburg Elementary
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