s.m.a.r.t. newsletter - oct 2024

s.m.a.r.t. spaces

Has this happened to you? 

In an effort to bring S.M.A.R.T. and a bit of fun into the classroom, I decided to put tape down on the floor to create a balance beam for the students. The tape worked perfectly for a while, but I soon ran into trouble when the residue left behind became a challenge to clean up AND the custodian fell silent at the sight of the tape remnants on the floor. This felt worse than a glitter explosion.

Ooops! Even blue painter’s tape (the best tape to use in our opinion) needs to be pulled up every week or two. 

Determined to keep the balance beam activity in the classroom, we began exploring alternative solutions that wouldn’t damage the floors.
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Fortunately, several creative and floor-friendly options to craft balance beams were discovered. Jump ropes, yardsticks, and strips of bulletin board border have proven to be excellent substitutes that are both easy to set up and remove. These materials are not only quick to assemble but also provide a sturdy and safe balance beam experience for students, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the activity without the mess and hassle of tape. And I get to continue being friends with the custodian.

*Pro tip - Affix the yardstick and borders to a tile floor using Sticky Tac to prevent the balance beam from shifting around.

Reference:

• S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K CORE Guide page 40
• S.M.A.R.T. Curriculum Guide page 51