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

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!