"I feel pumped up now!" shared Domenic after our first official Walking Classroom (TWC) lesson. Other student comments included: "I'm more awake now - sometimes I'm tired when I come to school." and "I think this is going to be great - we get to go outside and learn!"
Last year I saw a tweet about the "Walking Classroom" program and I knew I HAD to use this with my classroom. The premise: get kids moving and learning - the perfect combination.
I had to find a way to get the WalkKits (WalkKit is a device-like an mp3 player-that is preloaded with podcasts specifically geared towards 4th grade) into the hands (and ears) of my class. So I applied for a GO! Grant but my proposal was not accepted. Knowing that this program would have many benefits to my class I reached out to TWC to see what else I might try. They suggested applying for a donation through their site. My application was reviewed and our class was put on a waiting list (waiting for a donor). A few weeks later an email arrived saying we would be receiving a class set of WalkKits. My class and I were beyond thrilled.
On the day the WalkKits arrived a resounding cheer reverberated throughout our hallway. Students knew they soon would be outside and learning. After permission slips were signed, we took our first walk WITHOUT the WalkKits. This allowed us to check out our route and practice walking as a class. The following day we began with our first podcast. Listening to walking safety tips and learning about different question types, the students will be ready for their next "Lessons on the Go!"
Thank you to Laura Fenn, Executive Director of The Walking Classroom, for her idea and wonderful podcasts! And Thank You to the generous (anonymous) donor for providing us with a class set of WalkKits! We can't wait to share what we learn!
What are some other ways we can make learning more active for students?
Nancy~
ReplyDeleteI LOVE reading your posts! How very lucky your students are to have you for a teacher. It is amazing how you learn about new, exciting avenues for learning and then find ways to make it happen for your students.
This sounds like an exciting way to learn, particularly during this beautiful Fall weather.
Enjoy!
~Mary S.
Hi Mary,
DeleteIt was about 52 degrees the other morning when we headed out. It was the perfect fall day and students really came back to the class more awake than when they arrived in the morning. Can't wait to see the benefits that this will surely provide. Will keep you posted.
I'm thrilled that you still keep track of what's going in in my classroom. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Best,
Nancy
Nancy we need to chat! I would love to do this! You inspire and ignite my love for teaching
ReplyDeleteLaurie,
DeleteThank you for your kind words...truly YOU inspire me! I'm so glad that we remain connected! Hope you are able to get your own set of WalkKits! :)
Best,
Nancy
This is GREAT!
ReplyDeleteHi Cal,
DeleteIt really is great! The students are enjoying getting out in the brisk air and are learning along the way! Stay tuned for more!
Thanks for commenting.
Awesome Nancy. What a great way to start the day. You are a great teacher always thinking of ways to increase your students learning. They are lucky to have Mrs.Carroll as their teacher and will remember these learning experiences for many years to come.
ReplyDeleteHi Frances,
DeleteI hope you are right that the students will remember this in a positive way. We have walked 5 times now and logged in almost 5 miles! Amazing when you think they are walking and learning! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Best,
Nancy
really great. thanks for sharing. you are a great teacher and inspiration. keep it up.
ReplyDeleteAmazing to know about your walking classroom and hope it will yield good results. Last month enrolled my kid in a local Phoenix kindergarten and have seen lot of improvement in his creative as well mental abilities. Glad that I enrolled him there.
ReplyDeleteThese WalkKits sound like a great tool to get students up and moving throughout the day! I think it is beneficial for students to get up and go outside not only to play but also to learn! Many teachers keep their students cooped up inside all day simply because they may not know how to extend their classroom to the outdoors. Your WalkKits are a great way to do this!
ReplyDeleteI am currently a preservice teacher and my professors have shared many ways to get students learning outside of the typical classroom. One of my favorite lessons that I have done with students is called a color match. Each student gets a sample paint strip and their task is to find an object outside that matches the color on their paint strip. This really gets the students out exploring in nature and using their observation skills. I also like that this lesson can be made to fit many different grade levels. For example, upper level students may be expected to fill out a science journal report on the object they found whereas lower level students may be asked to make observations on the object they found.
Thank you so much for your comment. The students love being outside and I have tried to incorporate more outdoor lessons. We recently just held a "mock Iditarod" outside. The students went from checkpoint to checkpoint and had to complete certain activities. Did I mention there was snow on the ground?
DeleteThank you for sharing your idea! I love the idea of students finding something that matches the paint chip. Using a science journal makes it a little more official and will get them thinking about science terminology when describing! Lots of great ways to get these kids moving and being in the fresh air!
Again, thank you for commenting.