How important is walking in a line?

A great deal of time and emotional energy is spent on getting kids at elementary schools to walk in a line.

It’s important to teach kids how to stay focused, respectful, and quiet, while walking down the hall. It’s important to teach them how to follow instructions and listen to the teacher. It’s important to teach them how to respect other classrooms’ need for a quiet learning environment.

The question is this.

How much time is spent repeating the same instructions, followed by the same outcomes and inevitable friction between the kids and teacher?

How much time is spent giving kids a toolkit to learn these skills (especially the “problem” kids who need it the most)?

Kids might walk in lines 12 times a day, 2,160 times a year, and 12,960 times in their elementary school life. They have no choice. They are required to do it.

How might we make walking in line the most refreshing, exciting part of the day?

How might you make some routine activity you do everyday, the most wonderful part of the day?

​Thanks for caring!

with gratitude,

Anwell Tsai