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S.m.a.r.t. newsletter - Jan. '24

1/3/2024

S.M.A.R.T. SPACES

Themes are fun but need to be functional. Check out this cute video of a birthday theme in action. Notice that not every activity needs a fun twist. Just a few added surprises can make the birthday kid feel pretty special and the rest of the class eager to celebrate with movement!

After watching the video below, head over to the Time Saving Tips section of the newsletter and download some freebies to begin adding to your collection. Our One S.M.A.R.T. Teacher section has two clever ideas for using decor as a functional twist on CORE activities.

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s.m.a.r.t. at home - Jan. '24

1/2/2024

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Looking for some low-cost, movement-based birthday gifts and activities that promote physical activity and engagement? Here are a few ideas we think are pretty S.M.A.R.T.

DIY Obstacle Course: Wake up to an exciting route to a fun birthday breakfast. Create a simple obstacle course using household items like cushions, pillows, and cardboard boxes. This encourages children to crawl, jump, and climb.
Hula Hoops: This classic, low-cost item can encourage hours of entertainment. Children can explore various hula hoop techniques or use it in an obstacle course.
Animal Antics: Kids love animals, which makes this game a hit! Purchase a jumbo dice filled with animal movements for children to imitate.
Outdoor Games Set: Gift affordable outdoor games such as colorful cones, a jump rope, and sidewalk chalk for hopscotch. Here is a set we love on Amazon: Carnival Outdoor Game Set
DIY Balloon Volleyball Set: Blow up a balloon and create a makeshift net using string or tape. This DIY activity encourages indoor active play.
Mini trampoline: Look at garage sales or local neighborhood sites for indoor and outdoor bouncing fun.

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one s.m.a.r.t. teacher - Jan. '24

1/2/2024

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If you were to ask a child what their favorite day of the year was, they will likely answer with “My birthday!!!”

To celebrate each and every child in a fun, active, and movement-based way, one S.M.A.R.T. teacher, Leslie, plans “Birthday S.M.A.R.T.”

Leslie sets up a course that contains birthday decor that is functional to CORE movements. In order to keep it manageable and time effective, only a few activities have a birthday theme. We especially love two of her creative ideas. For a quick and effective balance beam, Leslie takes a birthday sash from the dollar store and cuts it so it will lay flat. It is an instant line to walk across heel-to-toe style!

The second clever twist was using paper birthday plates as hopscotch spots. Did you know that if you cut a slit in the plate and run it through the laminator, the plates will flatten out? A few pieces of velcro to the back, and you can set up a unique hopscotch pattern on a carpeted surface.

Themes do not need to be difficult and time-consuming to create excitement. Like Leslie, make sure your thematic twists are FUNctional and not fluff.

Interested in more birthday theme ideas, click on over to S.M.A.R.T. Spaces and Time Saving Tips!

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time saving tips - Jan. '24

1/2/2024

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Did you watch the S.M.A.R.T. Birthday theme in action? With a little creative thinking (maybe a run to the dollar store or Target) and these free downloads, you can create your own set for your classroom. Having thematic twists in a birthday gift bag is guaranteed to create excitement for S.M.A.R.T. We recommend the following additions to S.M.A.R.T. core activities.

Slap/Creep Track cards: Download these two different sets of cards and choose what is most appropriate for your class.

Balance Beam: Add little birthday hats or gift boxes with ribbon as objects to step over on the beam.

Hopscotch: See One S.M.A.R.T. Teacher for creative ideas

Learning Ladders: Colorful balloons can be laminated so that you can write age appropriate content on the balloons. Add sight words, numbers, CVC words, etc, for students to practice.

Download a version here! : balloon_learning_ladder.pdf

Do you have additional suggestions or ideas you have tried? Submit them for us to share by emailing [email protected] or tagging us on Instagram @achance2grow

In the meantime… Happy S.M.A.R.T. Birthday!

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S.m.a.r.t. newsletter - Jan. '24

S.M.A.R.T. SPACES

s.m.a.r.t. at home - Jan. '24

one s.m.a.r.t. teacher - Jan. '24

time saving tips - Jan. '24

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