With the Walking Classroom, 4th and 5th graders at Union Intermediary School in Sampson County are exercising while they learn! Tanya Freeman, the health and physical education teacher, has used the "Walkkit" tool since 2015. Ms. Freeman started using the "WalkKits" with children in the gymnasium waiting for school to start. Now, kids walk laps around the gym either socializing with their peers, or listening to the Walking Classroom. Some of the kids' fitbits show they walked a mile before the school day even started! 

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Over the last few years, the school has raised their NC Report Card grade to an overall 'B'. Ms. Freeman credits the improvement, in part, to the Walking Classroom. "The positive impact is experience by everyone. "The children love it so much we had to create a log for them to check it out to bring home with them during the weekends; entire families use it together," says Ms. Freeman! 

Laura Fenn, a former fifth grade teacher with over fifteen years of experience created the Walking Classroom, which pairs education and movement together. The "WalkKit" allows physical activity to be added to the school day without losing instructional time. Kids listen to kid-friendly educational podcasts while walking, improving their physical, mental, and academic health. Research from classrooms across the United States show that all students can benefit (90% experienced improved concentration). Children struggling with low academic achievement, obesity, and those with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism stand to gain the most from this program. 

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