DonorsChoose is an online nonprofit charity that connects public school teachers with people who want to support classroom learning in all 50 states. Mrs. N. Dixon, third grade teacher at Ronceverte Elem. School has written and submitted a proposal for an Innovative Learning While Walking program. Some projects may have as many as 45 donors while others will have as few as one. Mrs. Dixon’s project needs Donors from all walks of life to make her classes wish come true. Your donation goes directly to the teacher or project you care about and you are able to directly see where each dollar is spent. Donations through DonorsChoose.org are tax deductible under tax code 501 (c) (3). Donors can make a big difference in funding a project!
Mrs. Dixon’s project is titled: Innovative Learning While Walking! The description of her proposal is as follows: What is a Walking Classroom? It is an innovative way to join exercise and cognitive functions of learning, actively engaged by walking, listening to educational topics, and learning while improving physical and listening skills at school (with home use available).
“I have 25 students in my classroom this year. Often their living areas have limited outdoor space. TWC increases physical activity, helping to deter the obesity problem in WV. 40.1% of West Virginia’s youth, age 10-17, are overweight or obese. In addition, students have a more focused perspective, better mood, and are more likely to participate in class discussions after the podcast than after reading the same information in class. My students are very special little people, excited about learning, and trying to make a difference in their futures with all the educational opportunities available to them.” Said Dixon.
“I was introduced to “The Walking Classroom” in a summer school program. Reports Mrs. Dixon. I was surprised by the students’ excitement and enthusiasm to do their “Walking Classroom. Many begged to do an extra walk if they quickly finished assignments. Some students asked to use the walking program during recess; enjoying the walk and discussion time with friends instead of participating in free play.”
“There are many benefits to using “The Walking Classroom”: the program helps to develop listening and analyzing skills, increases physical activity, “TWC” provides optimal learning experience for students without sacrificing instructional time.” Stated Mrs. Dixon.
In addition, this program meets the needs of students with ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, English Language Learners, and students with Individual Education Plans or 504 Plans.
The “Walking Classroom” is focused on students in grades 3 to 8. It naturally provides physical distancing as students briskly walk for 15 to 20 minutes while listening to the same podcast which begins with a health literacy message, and includes character values throughout the podcast.
Materials are provided for teachers to pre-teach, enrich, or review topics that includes 167 prerecorded podcasts on English Language arts, American History, government, famous Americans, Science, Social Studies topics and more. This allows freedom to review topics, assist students in making connections to lessons in class, and current events through this active learning activity.
Classroom sets consist of 25 WalkKits (device, lanyard, earbuds) (with 5 additional WalkKits available for student to “check-out” to share with their families). TWC program will affect 50-75 students each year, or up to 150-250 over the 3 -5-year life of the WalkKits. In addition, 4th and 5th grade teachers will be able to borrow the WalkKits to reinforce topics they are teaching.
To view (and or donate) to Mrs. Dixon’s project, go to DonorsChoose.org and type in the phrase “Innovative Learning While Walking!” “With a little research, time and patience classroom wishes can come true. With your help and monetary donations my students wish for a Walking Classroom will come true.” Said Mrs. Dixon.
“Your support (no matter how large or how small) would show my students that right now there are people who believe in them and want them to succeed. Every little bit helps us get closer to our goal! We would greatly appreciate your donations of support!” Sincerely, Nicole Dixon Third Grade Teacher at Ronceverte Elementary.
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