One of the main benefits of The Walking Classroom is increasing students’ physical activity (without sacrificing instructional time!). Beyond this benefit, educators using the program also cite other benefits related to students’ well-being. These include including improved health literacy and healthy habits. And, a 2018-2019 research study confirms just that!
Increases Physical Activity
The Walking Classroom provides students with a different way to learn. On pretty days, we are able to go outside for fresh air and get important exercise. This also helps reinforcement of important concepts in the lessons.
– Susan Miller-Hendrix, North Carolina
Students need to get exercise, and using The Walking Classroom we get both physical and mental benefits. We are challenging ourselves to walk as many miles as we can. We have reached nine miles and hope to achieve many more before the end of the school year.
– Rebecca Canterbury, West Virginia
As a teacher, it is hard to find classroom materials that are not only fun and interesting, but include physical activity. Many resources are technology-based, but must be done from a computer screen. We absolutely love that our students get to learn about a wide range of topics, while having the ability to take a walk outside in the fresh air and move outside of the typical classroom setting. The students always look forward to our walks!
– Ta-Miyah Lowe, Florida
The Walking Classroom has enhanced our educational program. It has given our program participants the chance to not only learn in a creative way, but to get much needed exercise.
– Sherri Henderson, North Carolina
Through the podcasts we are learning specific content that complements our social studies and English language arts curriculum. We are also learning the importance of developing a healthy lifestyle and improving listening skills — all while exercising. The students are thrilled about getting out of the classroom, adding more physical activity to their day, and getting some fresh air while learning.
– Julie Nestor, West Virginia
Not only does The Walking Classroom offer students exercise and fresh air, it also is effective at equalizing access to information. The exercise improves the social and emotional well-being of each student while positively impacting the ability to learn.
– Betsy Vorster, North Carolina
More schools need to get on board with this amazing program. It’s got so much potential for helping kids learn and stay physically active.
– James Foley, Virginia
The Walking Classroom has allowed me to move my classes outdoors where students can socially distance themselves and be active. I see the difference in their attitudes and motivation after a walk. My students are happier, more focused, and remember more information than in the regular classroom setting.
– Amanda Britt, North Carolina
Fosters Health Literacy and Healthy Habits
The Walking Classroom works toward our goal of healthy, well rounded students. I especially like how The Walking Classroom generates discussions about health and safety. Sometimes, hearing those messages from peers instead of adults hits home with the students in a way we cannot.
– Sherry Nicolia, Pennsylvania
It is so important to focus on ways to help kids learn along with focus on their health. Getting the kids outdoors for these walks has done that. The podcast lessons have worked out perfectly for us to be able to match them with the current lessons we are doing. You not only have helped my kids, but you also made my job a little easier!
– Amy Strube, Nevada
Our program is a grant based program that serves at-risk children. Many of our students do not have a lot of support for a healthy lifestyle, or a lot of help with their school work outside of school and our program. To be able to give our students another way to learn material is truly a blessing!
– Jennifer Hardy, North Carolina
Being in school during pandemic isn’t always easy, but when we use The Walking Classroom, the students are able to walk some of their stress away, and get a break from their masks. Not only do they learn about school related content, but how to stay healthy as well.
– Sara Nordlund, Michigan
With The Walking Classroom, students can learn how to walk safely in a group, monitor their heart rate, and learn why walking helps their brain. All of this before you even take the first step outside!
– Susan Cooper, California
The health component also helps students think about healthy choices and how to be responsible as kids now and as adults in the future. Hearing other students engage in conversations about healthy living allows students to hear a representation of their voice and in language they can easily understand. The conversations are meaningful, and help to bring awareness to issues that would not normally be discussed in class.
– Carmichael Henry, North Carolina
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