Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Directors
Philips K-5 to pilot 'walking classroom' program where students learn while moving.
Written by Annabelle Chipps
Instead of carpet time, notebook doodles and other things associated with sitting through lessons, some Philips K-5 students will learn while walking.
Oregon-based nonprofit Alliance for a Healthier Generation offered for the school to pilot their “walking classroom” technology, valued at about $5,700, at no cost. The package will include audio devices, learning materials, teaching guides and help with implementation.
The PPS board of directors authorized the pilot program by an 8-0 vote during its Jan. 28 meeting.
Director Yael Silk of District 4 said students will use the school’s website to engage in a “Walk-and-Listen Content Journey”, which includes them walking indoors while listening to a curriculum-aligned podcast.
Students will also talk about the lesson after after the walk, Silk said.
“This integrates physical activity with learning and provides about one third of the daily recommended movement,” she said.
Chief Academic Officer Shawn McNeil said during a Jan. 21 meeting that PPS is considering rolling out this initiative to other schools over the next several years.
Update: A Previous verison of this article misspelled Devon Taliaferro's last name. Corrected at 6:15am on Sunday February 15th.
Connections to this story
- Elected officials:
- Devon TaliaferroYael Silk
- Topics:
- EducationPublic Health
- Governments:
- Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Directors
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