s.m.a.r.t. spaces

April showers bring…more outdoor play! When the weather cooperates, take S.M.A.R.T. activities and principles out to the playground.

Simple jumping and hopping activities can be turned into spelling practice, a math game, a motor course, or just good old-fashioned hopscotch. Jumping and hopping provide a great burst of proprioceptive input to the brain. This kind of input helps our body understand where we are in space, building our body awareness and coordination.

​Ideas for 3s, 4s, and 5s

With the help of the child(ren), make circles with chalk and color them in. Little learners can hop on the different colors as you call them out. You could draw a letter or a number​ in the circle and practice letter or number recognition. Just call out a letter and have them hop to it!

Ideas for K-2nd graders

Chalk flowers are a great way to add some movement into math. Draw a flower and create fact families for your child to get some extra addition and subtraction practice. As students jump from each number they can say the fact.
​
​7 + 5 = 12
5 + 7 = 12
12 – 7 = 5
​12 – 5 = 7

​Create a movement path with fun action for them to do along the way. If you involve them in the creation of movements, they will be even more engaged.

For children of all ages 

We love the idea of laying on their tummy and letting them draw whatever they desire. For more ideas using sidewalk chalk as well as other ways to be S.M.A.R.T. outside check out our S.M.A.R.T. Outdoors board on Pinterest!