This post, part of our Walk This Way series, shares The Walking Classroom experiences of teachers and students across the United States. It provides a glimpse into Walking Classroom Ambassador Toni Lehman’s class.
This marks my ninth year of using The Walking Classroom materials, and I have to say that the podcasts remain fresh and relevant every year. It is easy to use the science and social studies connections. There are so many choices that resonate with my students! My biggest challenge is to get them all in during the timeframe in which we are studying that content!
Language Arts Connections
This year, however, I have found the most notable connections to the language arts podcasts. Perhaps it is because kids are getting back into a post pandemic swing of things? Perhaps because in this area I have used the same podcasts multiple times but in different writing units? Maybe it is just those happy and perky voices (that are not mine) leading the discussion?
Impact on Writing
For some reason, this year, three podcasts have brought kids to a heightened awareness and it has shown in their writing. Simile and Metaphor (4-#11, 5-#72, Complete-#4), Types of Conflict in Writing (4-#45, 5-#68, Complete-#8), and Word Choice (4-#36, Complete-#17) all seemed to have inspired my fourth graders to write more interesting and imaginative narratives.
We walk at the end of the day, and the different voice and motion of walking seemed to enable all of my writers to consider their own audience, tell their stories with meaning, humor, and a healthy dose of figurative language.
Revisit Old Favorites
As you walk this spring, consider revisiting some old favorites. It will put some pep in your students’ steps, and reinforce the very concepts you have tried so hard to teach this year.
And you’ll have a great time out there too! Until next month . . .
Toni Lehman
Fourth Grade Teacher
McDougle Elementary
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