Students walking, listening, and learning with Carondelet's new "Walking Classroom"

Students at Carondelet Catholic School are walking, listening, and learning with 
The Walking Classroom
 
Minneapolis, Minn. -  Carondelet Catholic School is thrilled to announce that students at the Upper Campus are now getting fresh air and exercise while they learn. Thanks to a recent grant, the class received “WalkKit” audio players for each student preloaded with over 100 podcasts on topics including science, social studies, and language arts. Comprehension quizzes, discussion questions, and other supplemental materials are provided in a Teacher’s Guide. 
 
The Walking Classroom is simple. Students take brisk 20-minute walks, as a class, while listening to the same custom-written, kid-friendly podcast. Each podcast begins with a brief health literacy message, and the lesson plans in the Teacher’s Guide help educators effectively discuss and review the podcast material. The program gets kids out of their seats and walking without sacrificing instructional time.

"The fourth graders in my class come to school excited to take their learning outdoors. A brisk walk and exciting curriculum really brings the lessons to life. We're loving it!", said Kristen Rafferty, a fourth grade teacher at Carondelet.
 
Why it works
The Walking Classroom’s “Walk, Listen, and Learn” methodology combines listening with exercise to capitalize on the strong connection between physical activity and improved brain function, resulting in improved classroom performance. And it’s fun!
 
Students return to the classroom in better moods, more focused, and more likely to engage in post-walk discussions. Teachers regularly report that after implementing The Walking Classroom, students retain the information better, demonstrate better behavior and engagement in the classroom, and perform better on standardized exams.
 
While all students benefit from the increased activity and educational content of The Walking Classroom, inactive children and children with low academic achievement stand to benefit the most. The program also provides teachers with an innovative tool to meet the needs of students with alternative learning styles such as ADHD, dyslexia, and/or autism.

Carondelet is one of only four schools in the state currently using the new innovative program. 
 
About The Walking Classroom

The Walking Classroom is a national award-winning education program that provides students and teachers with an innovative way to get exercise without sacrificing instructional time. The nonprofit program’s “Walk, Listen, and Learn” methodology capitalizes on the favorable link between exercise and cognitive function.    www.thewalkingclassroom.org