We are a Title I School. Many of our students lack sufficient school supplies and supportive resources at home. The students I see on a daily basis come to my Storm Watch class, a time for remediation in reading. These students have trouble with reading comprehension and sometimes fluency. Some of them have learning disabilities or attention deficit issues. Some are English Language Learners. They are all excellent kids who try hard in class.
Before we began The Walking Classroom, we read articles about the importance of movement for learning. We learned that our brains need exercise and movement to help us process information. In addition, we discovered that exercise benefits our bodies in other ways, like reducing obesity and depression.
All of my students are capable of listening to a podcast and participating in the discussions, which improves their confidence and social skills as well. The Walking Classroom has been a useful tool in helping me support curriculum in core subjects like science, social studies, and language arts.
Additionally, it’s offered us the chance to collaborate across school sites. The librarian at Laurel Mill Elementary, one of Terrell Lane’s feeder schools, is also implementing the program. We have worked together to have our students listen to similar (or the same) podcasts. Then we have them respond in writing and video to thoughts and questions that students at the other school may have had. The Walking Classroom is helping us build a community beyond just our school campuses!
Laura Aldridge
School Library Media Coordinator
Terrell Lane Middle School
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