TIME SAVING TIPSDuring your S.M.A.R.T. training, you learned all about the development of the visual system and the crucial role eye movements play in academic success. Developing strong saccadic eye movements, the quick, simultaneous movements of both eyes, is essential for effective reading and academic success. These eye movements allow students to efficiently scan lines of text, move smoothly from word to word, and shift focus between different parts of a page without losing their place. Poor saccadic control can result in skipped words, line repetition, or slow reading speed, which can hinder comprehension and make learning more difficult. Strengthening these visual tracking skills supports better reading fluency, focus, and overall performance in the classroom. A great resource from a vision-centered program, Eye Can Learn, provides educators with this helpful download.
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The end of the year is approaching. Motivation can be waning and enthusiasm for S.M.A.R.T. may be low. Perhaps it is time to schedule the S.M.A.R.T. Olympics!  Just as athletes have to practice and prepare for their events, your S.M.A.R.T. students can gain some excitement for S.M.A.R.T. by viewing it as practice for a classroom competition.
Need some ideas of how to create a S.M.A.R.T. Olympics in your classroom or gym? We love to continue learning. The more we learn, the more we have to share! We are thrilled to share a helpful interview from Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician with a special interest in reading. Please enjoy the following article and interview.
This Doctor Has a Prescription for Creating Lifelong Readers A brief blurb from the article sets up the content that we are sure you won’t be disappointed listening to… “Watch my interview with Dr. Navsaria, or read the highlights below, to learn how shared reading contributes to kids’ flourishing—and why read-aloud time is valuable even when it’s squirmy, messy, and short. Plus, you’ll discover how to make the most of pediatrician’s visits and how to refer your child for early-intervention services if you think their development is lagging.” The end of year finds us yearning to be outdoors more. Don’t forget the power of taking S.M.A.R.T. outside! Your S.M.A.R.T. manuals from training contain a whole section of class where we talked about how to do many S.M.A.R.T. core activities out on your playground. You will find it in the section ‘S.M.A.R.T. Activities’ from day 2. One S.M.A.R.T. Teacher Jessica applied the principles behind the S.M.A.R.T. activities and drew a “Final Countdown” space inspired chalk sensory path for her school in Minneapolis the last few weeks of school that gave every student an opportunity at recess to have some sensory input while feeling like it was good old fashioned fun in the sun.
If you want to see some incredible smiles, hear tons of laughs, and watch kids have a blast doing S.M.A.R.T., grab a friend or two, several sets of sidewalk chalk, and get creative!!!
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AuthorSCheryl Smythe Archives
November 2025
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