S.M.A.R.T. Newsletter - Nov. '16

S.M.A.R.T. Spaces
Here are some sample fall themed cards that are being used in S.M.A.R.T. programs this month!
Notice the differences? One has apples in an ABC pattern, one has vocabulary with pumpkin and leaf cards and the third has counting/numeracy with 1, 2 and 3.

Creep Track and Slap Track cards must be changed out regularly to keep students interested and moving efficiently. We recommend changing cards every two weeks.

---

S.M.A.R.T. at Home
Children are built to move.  Movement helps to build the endurance needed in order to be still. Encouraging movement at home through fun games and activities will help them develop the skills necessary to be successful learners at school.

Cross Patterning is a S.M.A.R.T. activity that encourages children to cross the midline of their body and integrate both sides of their brain. Children work on crossing the midline by having the left hand cross over and slap the right knee and then the right hand cross over and slap the left knee.
​
Younger children can do this while sitting on the floor. They can cross pattern while singing a song, counting, or spelling their name as the photo below shows. ​​

Older children can stand and raise their knee up while cross patterning. They can practice weekly spelling words, math facts, or skip counting. ​

---

Time Saving Tips
Managing many students in a S.M.A.R.T. rotation can be busy!  Use this tip to quickly see how many times around a course your students have gone.
 
Choose one student to place a bear counter (or any manipulative or small object) into a container after completing one round of the course.  As students are moving through the activities, a quick glance at the container will reveal how many times students have done a full S.M.A.R.T. course.
​
For a fun thematic variation, the picture belows show how you can put feathers on a turkey. You can also place acorns in a jar.  Any small manipulative will work!

---

That's One S.M.A.R.T. Teacher!
Coming up with new cards for Slap Tracks and Creep Tracks might seem tricky.  Edie from Park Rapids, MN and Nicole from Alden, MN both had a great idea to keep things fun. These educators used zip top bags as the pockets on their Slap Tracks! 

Edie liked to fill the pockets with different textures of something tactile for the children to gently slap.  She used hair gel, play dough, bubble wrap, glitter glue, etc. What did the children like best? A small squeaker from a dog toy!  
​
This time of year, you can use this idea and have students collect leaves to put into this type of pockets for some new and novel tactile stimulation!