S.M.A.R.T. Newsletter - Oct. '23

S.M.A.R.T. Spaces

As you continue to roll out your S.M.A.R.T. course of activities, the Pencil Roll is one of the daily core activities to plan for thoughtfully. This movement requires the most space, so many educators find the area towards the front of the classroom works best. Pictured here is where one kindergarten teacher sets up the Pencil Roll. It is the same space the students sit for morning meetings and/or whole group activities.

To add excitement to this activity, a puzzle is incorporated. Students hold a piece overhead, Pencil Roll to the board at the end of the space, and place the piece in the appropriate spot. Many have found that this naturally creates some camaraderie among students because they become invested in completing the puzzle.

Did you notice the toy elephant in the picture? It is placed there intentionally! It serves as a marker for the halfway point, or the point where the student who is next to roll, watches for the roller to cross before they begin. This helps with crowding and can keep frustration at bay. You don’t need to have anything fancy to mark that spot. Find something in the area that can work as a marker and that students can quickly put back when the time is up.

​Rolling is one of the first developmental movement milestones, so we want to encourage our students to perform this brain
stimulating activity daily.

References:

• Pre-K CORE guide: pg. 33
• Curriculum guide: pg. 36

A pretty simple alphabet puzzle allows the focus to remain on the rolling.