Frequently Asked Questions
Product & Platform Questions
- What is the Walkabouts platform? Who is ActivEd?
-
The Walkabouts platform was inspired by years of research by founder Dr. Julian A. Reed. The platform includes web-based lessons that integrate movement with math, language arts, reading, and social studies content for prekindergarten through fifth grade students. The platform brings educational lessons to life with fun, kid-friendly movement. The system was created by ActivEd, Inc., a company founded by Dr. Reed. ActivEd now includes a team of curriculum specialists, teachers, designers, and developers.
- Why do teachers use the Walkabouts platform?
-
Teachers use the Walkabouts platform for a variety of reasons.
- Teachers appreciate that the Walkabouts platform is based on published research (including research by our founder, Dr. Julian A. Reed) about both education and health — and the correlation between the two.
- Some teachers like the Walkabouts platform because the lessons are web-based and perfect for remote learning and homework assignments.
- Many teachers like the Walkabouts platform because it integrates movement into standards-based lessons and supports students’ physical health while students learn.
- Other teachers like how the lessons link core concepts to fundamental movements in a meaningful, memorable context.
Teachers also like the Walkabouts platform because it makes learning fun for students.
- What types of students benefit from using the Walkabouts platform?
-
Students of all learning styles can benefit from the Walkabouts platform. Originally conceived for kinesthetic learners, the Walkabouts platform contextualizes fundamental concepts for physical learners while also engaging other students in movements that enhance motor skills, increase heart rate, and stimulate cognitive activity.
- Is the Walkabouts platform good for remote or virtual learning?
-
Yes, the Walkabouts platform is perfect for remote or virtual learning. Teachers can quickly and easily set up students with their own login credentials, assign content for students and teams to complete on their own, and track whether that content has been completed by students.
- I don’t want my students/my children sitting in front of the computer all day. How is the Walkabouts platform different?
-
The Walkabouts platform gets students up and out of their seats! Many teachers like the lessons because they integrate movement with standards-based content and support students’ physical health while students learn.
- What are Walksheets?
-
Walksheets are printable worksheets that include a movement component. At least one Walksheet set is available to support each Walkabout. Walksheets are available for pre-K to 5th grade and cover a range of subjects including ELA, math, science, social studies, and Spanish.
- What standards are covered by the Walkabouts platform? Is the content correlated to my state’s standards?
-
The Walkabouts platform is correlated to the educational standards for all 50 states plus NAEYC and Head Start standards, where applicable. After you select a Walkabout or Walksheet set, correlations display beneath the player window.
- Walkabouts cover a range of math and ELA/Literacy standards for prekindergarten through second grade.
- 180s cover a range of math, ELA/Literacy, and social studies standards for third through fifth grade.
- Walksheets cover prekindergarten through fifth grade.
- At least one Walksheet set is provided to support each Walkabout and 180.
- Science and social studies Walksheet sets are available for kindergarten through second grade students.
- Math, ELA/Literacy, science, and social studies Walksheet sets are available for third through fifth grades.
- Some Spanish Walksheet sets are available for kindergarten through first grade.
- PDFs of all storybooks and informational texts used in reading Walkabouts are available.
- Do I need special equipment or technology to use the Walkabouts platform?
-
Because the Walkabouts platform is web-based, it can be accessed from any computer with an up-to-date browser and can be used on a variety of devices. The Walkabouts platform is optimized for use with the Google Chrome browser.
- In a classroom setting, most teachers choose to project Walkabouts and 180s onto a whiteboard.
- To print Walksheet sets (printable worksheets that include a movement component), Adobe Reader and a printer are required.
- How much space is needed to do Walkabouts and 180s?
-
Most Walkabouts and 180s can be completed in the space need to do a jumping jack. In a classroom setting, students typically do Walkabouts and 180s either beside their desks or in common classroom space such as in front of a whiteboard. Walkabouts and 180s can also be used in stations/centers or as group activities for before- and afterschool programs.
Research-Related Questions
- Does movement really matter?
-
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children are active for a minimum of 60 minutes per day. Several recent studies show that an alarming number of school–age children do not meet these minimum activity goals. Why? Many classrooms include only sedentary work.
Incorporating movement-based lessons in the classroom has many benefits. The Walkabouts platform has been proven to increase comprehension and lesson retention for kinesthetic learners. The lessons also help children meet the 60-minute activity recommendation while they are learning.
- How effective is the Walkabouts platform?
-
ActivEd and the Walkabouts platform were inspired by years of published research about both education and health — and the correlation between the two. In fact, ActivEd founder Dr. Julian Reed is among the nation’s leading researchers exploring the relationship between issues such as obesity, cognition, and academic achievement. Dr. Reed’s findings and his work helping equip and empower teachers across the country continue to inform all facets of the Walkabouts platform.
- What types of students benefit from using the Walkabouts platform?
-
Students of all learning styles can benefit from the Walkabouts platform. Originally conceived for kinesthetic learners, the proven approach contextualizes fundamental concepts for physical learners while also engaging other learners in movements that enhance motor skills, increase heart rate, and stimulate cognitive activity.
- Why should teachers use the Walkabouts platform?
-
Teachers use the platform for a variety of reasons.
- Teachers appreciate that the Walkabouts platform is based on published research (including research by our founder, Dr. Julian A. Reed) about both education and health — and the correlation between the two.
- Some teachers like the lessons because they are web-based and perfect for homework assignments and remote learning.
- Many teachers like the Walkabouts platform because it integrates movement into standards-based lessons and supports students’ physical health while they learn.
- Other teachers like how the lessons link core concepts to fundamental movements in a meaningful, memorable context.
Teachers also like the Walkabouts platform because it makes learning fun for students.
Subscription Questions
- How do I get the Walkabouts platform for my school or classroom?
-
Unlike most subscription software platforms, the Walkabouts platform is licensed per school or district and not by number of students.
To purchase a school or classroom subscription, click here.
If you would like a member of our sales team to contact you, please complete the Contact Us form.
- How do I cancel my subscription?
-
Please reach out to our team at support@walkabouts.com.
Troubleshooting
- What technology do I need to play lessons?
-
The web-based Walkabouts platform is designed to operate easily and effectively using standard equipment available in most classrooms and in many homes. Technology and equipment requirements include an internet connection and a device, most often a desktop or laptop computer. The system is optimized for the latest release of Google Chrome. An optional display or projector is also suggested for classroom use. To print Walksheets, a printer is required.
- The wrong state’s correlations are displaying. How do I change that?
-
To change the state’s correlation that display, go to Profile > Academic Standards, and change the state selected. State standards display based on the state of the district where your school is located.
- Why can't I add more students?
-
You have probably reached your limit for the number of students you may associate with your subscription type. Classroom subscriptions allow 30 students.
For specific help or special circumstances, please reach out to our team at support@walkabouts.com.
- Who should I contact if I'm having technical issues?
-
The Walkabouts platform was created to be simple to use. If you encounter other technical issues, please complete the Contact Us form.
- I have questions not answered here.
-
Check out the following resources, and if you still need help, email us at support@walkabouts.com.
To reset your password, click here.
Additional Resources for Teachers
- For detailed directions on completing various functions in the Walkabouts platform, download the Quick Reference Guide for Teachers here.
- For a quick guide to getting started, click here.
- To view video tutorials for teachers, click here.
- Para aprender más sobre Walkabouts, hacer clic aquí.
Additional Resources for Parents and Students
