Animal Adventures

This September, SMART START learned all about animals! Throughout this unit, our young learners engaged their wild imaginations, natural curiosity and desire to discover through nature and play based activities. 

The class gathered outside for an informational storytime of, “There is a tribe of Kids.” This book details names for groups of animals. Some favorites included: a colony of penguins, a crash of rhinos, a flight of butterflies and a tribe of friends! 

Book Linked Here

A donation box was decorated to hold items collected by our school for a local zoo and rescue center, “Animal Adventures.” This organization visited us later in the week with an interactive, hands-on animal encounter. See below!

“Animal Adventures” arrived with an abundance of animals and knowledge to share with SMART START. This fascinating experience provided the opportunity for students to touch and hold a snake, alligator, hedgehog, bearded dragon, gecko, ferret and more! All of our young learners bravely interacted with each creature. Introducing children to animals of all kinds (in a safe environment) reduces fear and fosters a  respect for wildlife! 

Eager explorers transformed part of their outdoor classroom into a jungle! They traveled through “tropical forests” observing gorillas, snakes and tigers and studied lions, zebras and elephants on a “safari.” 

Explorer Hats & Vests

Friends established their very own “rescue zoo” using animal figurines and magna-tiles. Animals were separated into “exhibits” by species. Informal, learning through play at its finest! 

Frames were decorated to hold a photo from the “Animal Adventures” presentation. Picture crafts capture special events and assist in the formation of memories. 

Peers completed puzzles to build three letter words: BAT, CAT, ANT, COW etc. This lesson reinforced uppercase letter recognition and the use of phonics.  

Thank you for reading! 

🐍SMART START🐍

Back to School Week

SMART START’S “Back to School” week was filled with hands-on fun! Our young learners were eager to begin the new academic year of playing and growing with their friends. 

The 1st Day of School was celebrated with the SMART START tradition of taking a picture with our “Back to School” chalkboard. A memorable way to capture each child’s genuine excitement to learn! 

Afterwards, stickers and apple frames were used for a photo craft. All looked forward to displaying their “Back to School” pictures at home. Back to School Apple Frames Linked Here

Classmates decorated cartons to hold eggs collected from the outdoor classroom chickens. This task is a favorite each week and assists in promoting responsibility, independence, nature appreciation and more!  

In addition to the chickens, our class Guinea pigs, cats and bunny happily welcomed all of the “back to school” nurturing they received from their preschool caretakers.  

Snack time is always more delicious on a picnic! The group enjoyed some farm picked apples and watermelon slices while socializing with peers. 

                                           🏡SMART START🏡

SMART START Reunion

This summer, SMART START hosted a reunion for our alumni and past students. It was a memorable event filled with fun crafts, hands-on activities and the celebration of friendship.

View Highlights Below

These young learners will always hold a special place in our classrooms. We are already looking forward to planning the next reunion!

💛 SMART START💛

Summer Enrichment Week 6: Crop to Classroom

The final theme of SMART START’S summer enrichment program was “Crop to Classroom!” Our young learners thoroughly enjoyed this unit which focused on “growing what you eat” and instilling independence  through nutritious, interactive activities. 

Read below! 

Students completed their weekly chore of collecting eggs from the chicken coop. Caring for the chickens and other class pets promotes responsibility, respect for nature, high self esteem and so much more! 

The school garden grew beautifully all summer long and was finally ready for a harvest. Tomatoes, blueberries, zucchinis, green beans and peppers were among the produce picked. 

Classroom chefs cleaned the crop in their kitchen. Next, knives and cutting boards were utilized to chop and slice the fruits and vegetables. Fine motor skills and hand to eye coordination were certainly challenged and enhanced! 

Afterwards, everyone enjoyed their healthy snack. All agreed that the food was most delicious because they grew and prepared it themselves! 

The group gathered outside to read a “Garden to Table” story. All were able to hold some pretend play items to reinforce the subject matter. Peers then partnered up to further explore the book in nature.

Thank you for reading! 

                                         🌱SMART START🌱

Summer Enrichment Week 5: Oceans of Fun

The fifth week of SMART START’S summer enrichment program was “Oceans of Fun!” 

Come join our young learners as they explore 🐡 under the sea 🐠

Underwater adventures began with an assortment of themed activities: fishing, puzzles, coloring and more! 

Fishing Games Linked Here

Classmates selected a sea creature to decorate using a variety of materials. The starfish, seahorses and fish dazzled on display!

Student scuba divers ventured to the “ocean” to discover what lies below. Sharks, whales, crabs, dolphins, sting rays and squids were among the animals brought to life by imaginative minds. 

The class circled together for an interactive read aloud. Hand and finger puppets were incorporated throughout the story. 

Oceanographers constructed their very own cookie to resemble the deep blue sea. Frosting and gummy sea creatures were used. Delicious! 

Friends had fun enhancing their cognitive skills by playing “Pin the Clownfish in the Coral Reef” and “Memory Match.” 

Peers looked at related books in small groups. Reading in nature is a wonderful way to start the day! 

The classic children’s book, “Rainbow Fish” was read during circle time. A puppet was utilized to reinforce the message of the story. 

Rainbow Fish Book Linked Here

Afterwards, the group sat in a circle and passed the puppet around while “Under the Sea” played. When the music stopped, the person holding the puppet shared something kind about one of their classmates. 

Rainbow Fish Puppet

An ocean unit would not be complete without discussing the magic of mermaids! All took turns holding their favorite sea creature and showcasing our pretend play costume. 

Thank you for reading! 

🌊SMART START🌊