​Whether you were trained in the early 2000s, the 2010s, or recently in the 2020s, our messaging about belly crawling has remained the same. S.M.A.R.T. Teachers teach the Alligator Crawl first!

​Why?
Alligator Crawling builds essential brain-body connections by strengthening core muscles, promoting cross-lateral movement, and enhancing coordination between the left and right sides of the body. This foundational pattern supports the development of visual tracking, spatial awareness, and readiness for reading and writing.
 
How?
If possible, get down on the floor with your students. Show them how to stay low on their chest and not to pop up on their elbows. Practice the long reach of the arm like you are swimming. Talk about your feet pushing off to help your body move forward. And then…..let them go. Encourage them to keep their belly button down and move as fast as they can across the floor.
 
Where?
This should be the first movement you teach in your “course”. It can be a great way to transition from one place to another. It can be a fun small group activity in the hallway, or it could be a louder “Alligator Race” in the gym. The benefits of this movement are just far too important to skip. Yes, it is hard. But oh so worth it!

​We are back! This year, let’s team together to be S.M.A.R.T.er than ever.
 
What are you setting up in your student space that fosters movement?
 
Remember, S.M.A.R.T. is your marathon and not your sprint. The focus right now at the start of the year is to build your CORE floor activities. Allow your students abilities to be your guide in how soon you can roll out new movements. Your target four activities this first month of school are:
 
🐊Alligator Crawl: a tile floor, mat, or smooth vinyl with a distance of about 16 feet is what you need
✏️Pencil Roll: find the most space in your course for this activity
📏Balance Beam: Yardstick, tapelines, bulletin boarders….you name it, you can heel-to-toe walk across it!
🖐🏽Slap Track: Keep it simple. Review material only!

Movement Anchors Learning
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This powerful phrase defines our program—but what does it truly mean in the classroom?
Every day, we spend valuable time managing inattention, behaviors and fidgeting by giving frequent redirection. But what if those behaviors are actually signals—students saying, “I need to move to focus!”

Movement isn’t a distraction; it’s a tool for regulation and readiness.
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Instead of spending time redirecting, invest that time intentionally. Start each lesson with 2–3 minutes of purposeful movement. This simple shift gives students the sensory input their brains and bodies need to be calm, focused, and ready to learn. Add movement ideas to your lesson plans, put a fun graphic about movement on your visual schedule, make movement popsicle sticks to pull out of a cup. Make movement a consistent part of your classroom routine—and watch 10–15 minutes of redirection melt away.
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Movement is not a break from learning—it’s the foundation of it!

​For resources to get your started please visit this link on our website. Don’t forget to Log In and access the resources that were provided to you after your training. Need help with access? Email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to help.

Dear Educator, Therapist, and Professional working with children,
 
This section is designed to share the benefits of movement and developmentally appropriate practice with the families you encounter. Please feel free to copy, paste, and share in your class letters, emails, or notes. Have a great school year!
 
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We’re excited for a year filled with learning, growth, and fun! This year, we’re also placing a special focus on incorporating intentional movement into our daily routine—and here’s why:
After attending a professional workshop called S.M.A.R.T. (Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training), we discovered just how powerful movement can be for students' development and success in the classroom.
​
Here’s a quick look at what movement does for your child:

• Boosts Brain Readiness: Movement activates neural pathways that support attention, memory, and learning—helping students absorb and retain information more effectively.
  
  
• Supports Emotional Regulation: Physical activity calms the nervous system and helps students manage stress, anxiety, and big emotions.
  
  
• Improves Academic Focus: Short movement breaks help students reset and return to tasks with increased concentration and mental clarity.
  
  
• Reduces Disruptive Behaviors: Meeting students’ sensory needs through movement lessens fidgeting, off-task behavior, and the need for frequent redirection.
  
  
• Strengthens Body-Brain Connections: Cross-lateral and balance-based movements build the coordination and integration needed for tasks like reading, writing, and problem-solving.

 
We’re excited to move, learn, and grow together this year!
 
For a quick S.M.A.R.T. preview, watch this video 😄