Today was the kick off of an idea I've been toying with for quite some time! I don't know why I always hold back and not allow myself to try the things I've been thinking. Fear of other's views and criticism get me every time!
I have wanted to get my students up and moving about for some time. A nice, brisk walk around the school grounds in the morning to start the day. This would allow the kids time to wake up, get some fresh air and exercise to get the blood pumping. As well as that, the children have time to talk and socialize with their classmates...how many adults do you know that go straight to work and don't socialize over coffee or anything when getting to their work? Kids are the same!
This morning the class and I took a walk around our school campus. We walked .71 miles in 14 minutes time. Some may think, 14 minutes of instructional time lost...I say 14 minutes of valuable skills taught! The kids came back in the room and journaled about their experience out on the walk. They estimated how far and how long they thought we walked. We talked about our mood and energy level. It was valuable class time outside of the classroom!
The best part for me was posting some pictures of our walk for our parents to see. The few comments so far have been very supportive and talked about how excited their kids were this morning as they talked about how we were starting the day! I need to stop questioning my ideas and just go with it. When we have the kids' best interest at heart and we are working for them, then it will all be supported and work out!
