This post is part of our Walk This Way series, designed to share The Walking Classroom experiences of teachers and students across the United States. It provides a glimpse into Lisa McDowell’s class.
As a STEM teacher, I am limited in using The Walking Classroom to when I have students in my STEM classroom. However, my third grade students have STEM just before they have their “Block 2” (afternoon) class. Teachers have commented that on days where they walk, they are able to come in and focus better in their afternoon classes.
Time to Refocus
If only I had been able to utilize The Walking Classroom back when I taught fourth grade! I would have a podcast lined up that matched my content area and certainly would have pressed “pause” on my lesson. It would be great to get my students outside to walk to give them a bit of a break, time to refocus, and to enhance the content that I was currently teaching.
Sharing and Listening
Socially, students love coming in and discussing what they have learned in the podcast. Since I use The Walking Classroom with both third and fourth grade students, I see that students are trying to out-share facts learned from the podcast!
This increases listening comprehension and helps students stay focused while walking. They want to be sure they have something to share when we are back in the classroom for our discussion.
Sparking Interest
I also try to “set up” the podcast of the week by sparking interest before we walk. Since I see my students daily (for the week) for 50 minutes, I may “tease” the podcast on Monday and do The Walking Classroom on Tuesday.
For example, I read the book TickTock Banneker’s Clock (720L) to my third graders on Monday. Then on Tuesday, we walked and listened to the podcast on Benjamin Banneker (5-#28, STEM-#7, Complete-#153).
This really does get students engaged in the podcast and talking about the scientist we are learning about! We love The Walking Classroom!
Happy Trails!
Lisa McDowell
STEM Teacher
Benson Elementary
The Walking Classroom has been a great solution to learn while moving. Some of my students need to always be on the move. The Walking Classroom provides them the opportunity to get their wiggles out and learn at the same time. My students really look forward to Walking Classroom Days!