Blog Archives

S.M.A.R.T. Newsletter - Dec. '22

11/30/2022

Time Saving Tips

Making Learning Ladders can be time-consuming if you want to add pictures or like things to be uniform. Our Learning Ladder Time Saving Tip is to use Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides.

For a paper-sized slide in Microsoft PowerPoint:
1. Click on the Design tab.
2. Click on Slide Size.
3. Type in the width and height.
a. To print portrait: Width 11”, Height 8.5”
b. To print landscape: Width 8.5”, Height 11”
or

1. Click File
2. Click Page Setup
3. Type in the width and height.
a. To print portrait: Width 11”, Height 8.5”
b. To print landscape: Width 8.5”, Height 11”

For a paper-sized slide in Google Slides:
1. Click File
2. Click Page Setup
3. Select Custom on the drop-down menu
4. Type in the width and height.
a. To print portrait: 11 x 8.5 inches
b. To print landscape: 8.5 x 11 inches
5. Click Apply

You can apply these same steps to make Creep Track or Slap Track cards!

Downloads:

Animal Learning Ladder (PDF)

References:

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S.M.A.R.T. at Home - Dec. '22

11/29/2022

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When the snow starts flying and the winter wind starts blowing, it can be hard to convince kids to MOVE! As adults, we know how important movement is to get us through the long winter months, but sometimes kids have to be convinced. So, movement + a game = Movement Bingo! We’ve put together some of our favorite developmental movements to help chase away the winter blues.

For an added level of challenge, take the activities outside!

Download:

Movement Bingo (PDF)

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S.M.A.R.T. Spaces - Dec. '22

11/29/2022

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Do you (and your students) dread sight word checks? Have you noticed some students freeze up when you “test” them? We have an easy solution. Instead of pulling them to the hallway or your desk, put the sight words up as a Learning Ladder in the S.M.A.R.T. Course. Then stand beside the Learning Ladder to listen as they identify the words while they jump on the rebounder, toss a ball, or cross pattern in place. Listening to them read the words on a Learning Ladder as a part of their regular S.M.A.R.T. Course removes the feeling of being tested. It also allows you to give them another input of words they haven’t mastered yet.

But what happens if you have students at multiple levels and one Learning Ladder doesn’t work? Put up multiple Learning Ladders! This allows you to check multiple levels without changing the Learning Ladder for every child.

Downloads (PDFs):

References

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One S.M.A.R.T. Teacher - Dec. '22

11/29/2022

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At Prairie Ridge Early Learning Center, One S.M.A.R.T. Teacher, Katie Rhoten found a different use for her Balance Beam yardstick. Katie adheres it to a cupboard or bookshelf and uses the Velcro side to attach a Learning Ladder!

Katie’s inventive use of the yardstick allows her to change around the items on her Learning Ladder without making a new one. It also enables her to assess if her students have learned the items listed on the Learning Ladder or if they need additional inputs of the information.

Downloads: