ONE S.M.A.R.T. SCHOOL
The following summer, trainers of the S.M.A.R.T. program went to Delaware to provide training to the entire staff, laying the foundation for a successful implementation. Be sure to “meet” the Delaware team that started it all at the end of this article!
The room utilizes every inch of space for intentional movement. The small classroom space holds ten movement activities for students set out in a side by side winding layout so that students can move constantly. The stations are numbered and labeled with tape large enough for students to identify quickly as they enter the room and are given the number where they start.
Laminated Learning Ladders are focused on math content that correlates to the learning standards they are working on. Both sides of the Learning Ladders contain content, making it easy to switch content just by turning the Ladder around after a week. The well used Slap Track got a clever “upgrade” using just a mat and some packing tape. High frequency words were printed out and taped to the mat. As long as you pull up the words and tape at least every two weeks, the words should be adhered to the mat nicely. This makes for an easy wipe down of the mats too! Curious if a S.M.A.R.T. workshop would be just as inspiring to your school? Here’s what the team from JMC had to say…
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Calling all creative S.M.A.R.T. educators!! Enter a drawing to win S.M.A.R.T. posters!  Are you ready to transform an empty classroom into a dynamic S.M.A.R.T. room that boasts intentional movement, happy, active students, and sensory stimulation that impacts academics? Here's your chance to unleash your creativity and contribute ideas that will turn a new space into an active space! John M Clayton Elementary has a busy and thriving S.M.A.R.T. room for their kinder and 1st grade students. They are in the process of stocking a second motor room specifically for second grade and up.
This Sit and Spin provides a gentle, controlled spinning motion that stimulates the vestibular system, which is crucial for balance, coordination, and spatial awareness development. *It is important to point out that this fun toy should be used in addition to and not in place of Helicopter Spins. The Sit and Spin does not replace the intensity that comes from that CORE activity. We loved seeing Sit and Spins in action recently in a S.M.A.R.T. room we visited. It added fun to the course, which kept students entertained and engaged. We encourage finding a safe space and time of day to incorporate Helicopter Spinning so that vestibular development can be fueled all day long.  Last month, we shared a way to infuse a little fun into spelling practice. This month, we would like to add to your homework help bag of tricks by giving you an activity that pairs movement with learning. Take your child’s spelling words and write them in a bit larger print on a sheet of paper. Encourage your child to read the whole word and then spell each individual sound. While they are spelling, add in a movement. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:
The more times the word is spelled, the more inputs or repetitions enter the brain, helping with retention. Movement anchors learning, making an academic task more active and fun! |
AuthorSCheryl Smythe Archives
December 2024
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