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 academic benefits. Educators have found that The Walking Classroom helps in addressing different learning styles and differentiating instruction.
Addresses Different Learning Styles
I work in a private therapeutic special education school and many of my students have a variety of different learning styles . . . It is incredible to see how The Walking Classroom has had such an impact on my students; their conversations, their ability to learn and retain new information . . . Many of my students have difficulties expressing how or why they like something, but when asked if they like The Walking Classroom, I receive a lot of smiles and thumbs up.
– Lindsey Simcina, Illinois
The Walking Classroom is an absolutely great way for actively meeting the needs of students with different learning styles and reading levels.
– Ann Marie Cole-Maitland
This is a wonderful program that can touch so many students and assist them with multiple forms of success. I have even shared the program with colleagues and they have done very well with the program.
– Keric Seals, Kentucky
Many of our students do not enjoy playing sports in P.E. The Walking Classroom afforded them the opportunity to have an additional means of exercise without having to be skilled.
– Billie Bruchhaus, Louisiana
I have been using The Walking Classroom now for quite a few years. Whenever I tell my kids that we are getting ready to do a lesson with The Walking Classroom, they get really excited! After we walk, I try to change up how the kids share information they learned. Sometimes they are in groups, and after we get back they write down as many facts as they can
– Amy Hines, North Carolina
Before the walk, we review essential vocabulary and definitions and build background by asking questions. After the walk, I use the included questions for discussions; it couldn’t be easier! There’s even a comprehension quiz; I can print and assess what students learn. It’s a win-win situation! Students receive a unique and different way to learn, get fresh air, and exercise, and they have fun (me, too!).
– Marla Franklin, California
The Walking Classroom has been an eye opener into how my students think and feel about the topics provided. It is a wonderful resource, allowing my diverse classroom, which is mostly boys, to walk outside and get fresh air in nature during instructional time.
– Myra Greene, Virginia
I also love that students are getting exercise while they are listening to the podcasts! It’s especially perfect for some of my students who have a hard time sitting still in the classroom. With The Walking Classroom, they get to move while they are learning!
– Rebecca Vanderweerd, California
Differentiating Instruction
Once a week, my students in grades 1-5 come out of their regular classroom environment for enrichment activities to promote critical thinking and develop advanced communication skills in technology and problem-solving. The Walking Classroom was just the thing that my students needed to differentiate their regular classroom instruction and curriculum.
– Dana Winborne, Georgia
Thanks for the opportunity to be able to offer differentiation to my kinesthetic learners!
– Becky Newman, California
The Walking Classroom is one my favorite tools because of the variety of podcast topics. I can incorporate TWC for each grade based on different age/curriculum appropriate lessons.
– Rachel Wirkkala, Illinois
As a teacher of gifted students, I’m always looking for activities that are engaging, creative and stimulate learning for my students. The Walking Classroom podcasts provide all those thing for my students along with exercise!
– Jacqueline Hubbard, Georgia
The Walking Classroom has been a great addition to our school. And, the supplemental learning resources really take the learning that happens through moving and listening to an even higher level.
– Christine Kane, New Mexico
Not only do my cluster classrooms use the WalkKits for whole group sessions, but they also use them as rewards, small group options, and calm down incentives. Within a month of starting the program, teachers I don’t normally work with were reaching out to me to ask if they too, could be a Walking Classroom.
– Lauren Salas, Virginia
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