Celebrate National Walking Day with The Walking Classroom

April 2 is National Walking Day! Started in 2007 by Healthier Generation’s co-founder, The American Heart Association, National Walking Day encourages Americans to be more active and to experience the benefits of walking firsthand.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, activities like walking can help prevent chronic diseases and support academic performance in children. Walking outdoors can also improve mood and reduce stress in children, foster a sense of independence and responsibility, and provides ample opportunities to connect with parents, friends, and neighbors.   

Educators who use The Walking Classroom report similar benefits, both in the classroom and in out-of-school-time programs.  

Read on to learn more about their experiences! 

Cincinnati is spelled C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E

The Walking Classroom was an instant hit with the children in Jennifer Adams’ after-school program at the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati.  

“They adore it. They love it. They want nothing more than to be able to walk with these podcasts and then discuss it with us.”  -- Jennifer Adams, site coordinator, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati 

Not only has the “Walk, Listen, Learn” philosophy been a boon to students’ confidence; classroom teachers have caught wind of the program and are thrilled with the abundance of content it offers to advance youth development and wellness.

Related Resource: Active & Engaged Learning for Afterschool and Summer Programs

Turnkey Enrichment in Kansas 

Jamie Keiter, research program coordinator with the Kansas Enrichment Network, enhances her program’s weekly units with podcast episodes from The Walking Classroom.

Taking cues from themes like “Oceans” and “Space,” Keiter even created a learning unit around U.S. presidents based on The Walking Classroom’s Presidents-themed podcast content. 

In the event of a canceled field trip or other unexpected occurrence, Keiter also says The Walking Classroom has been a welcome turnkey “Plan B” for staff and teachers.

Related Resource: Podcast Topic Alignment with Common Core Standards

21^st Century Solutions

Tony Yungeberg,  director of Valley Heights Community Education in northeastern Kansas, uses The Walking Classroom to “bring the history museum to the students,” bridging afterschool and school day content. 

Yungeberg has passed on his excitement for The Walking Classroom to other teachers at Valley Heights School District. 

“Everyone who teaches knows that faculty and staff don’t have the hours to plan afterschool programming, so I want to give them something that makes them the best and the happiest staff, because then, I have the happiest students in the world.” - Tony Yungeberg, director, Valley Heights Community Education

Related Resource: Building a Successful Out-of-School Time Program with The Walking Classroom

Try Out The Walking Classroom  

Looking to enhance your walking routine, or start a new habit? Celebrate National Walking Day with The Walking Classroom. Learn more and listen to sample episodes at TheWalkingClassroom.org. 

More Walking and Physical Activity Learning Resources 

Learn more about The Walking Classroom: 

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Securing Funds for The Walking Classroom
• The Walking Classroom Teacher Testimonials
• The Walking Classroom Success Stories 

Browse Healthier Generation’s physical activity resources: 

• Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs: Empowering Students, Families, and Communities
• Classroom Physical Activity Resources 

How are you Celebrating #NationalWalkingDay?

 Share your photos and stories with us by tagging @thewalkingclassroom and @healthiergeneration on Instagram.