I love Using Walking Tours in the Classroom.It is my absolute go to for those lessons where I need to deliver a large amount of content, yet I have little time. And then there is the best bonus about walking tours (or gallery walks) – they are fun, so your students love them, too!
What is the benefit of a Walking Tour?
How does a Walking Tour work?
Your work comes entirely before the activity begins. Set up your classroom with images, quotes, factual tidbits, full readings, video, music, and more for students to investigate as they tour the room. Hang resources on walls, sit them on desks, utilize bulletin boards, or float items from the ceiling. Then, stand back and watch the learning take place!
Chaos, you imagine? Not if you do it right!
- Arrange students in pairs or small groups for movement around the room.
- Set up an online stopwatch to keep students on track.
- Include visuals, fun activities for students to complete, music, video, and more to keep students engaged.
- Require students to complete tasks or record information at they travel, and always remind students they will be required for all provided content.
- Float! As students are taking the tour, travel around to engage students in conversation. Ask them questions, share with them what interests you about the topics, or simply comment on their perceptions and insights as they share with each other.
Where can you find ready-made Walking Tours?
Walking Tours can take students out of the typical classroom setting. It makes learning fun, and before you know it, your students will love coming to class, ready to take the next trip into the past.
Happy Teaching!