Science/S.T.E.A.M

🧪SMART START's core curriculum highlights a major focus on S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). Educating preschoolers/prekindergartners on the basics of the five aforementioned fields allows them to formulate observations, develop critical thinking, learn problem solving skills, make discoveries, instill inventiveness and so much more! 

Read below to see what our curious learners studied during this S.T.E.A.M unit!

🧲Inquisitive minds were quite attracted to our physics lesson on magnetism. Peers tested out an assortment of magnetic objects and engineered them into towers, castles, airplanes and more. Preschoolers were amazed how the items pulled together while prekindergartners grasped the concept of invisible magnetic fields. 

🔍Future researchers explored a science based display which contained: test tubes, goggles, magnifying glasses, beakers, magnets, specimen slides, a microscope and manuals. Pupils learned that experiments begin with a question and a hypothesis/educated guess. It is crucial for children to inquire, seek answers and find resolutions in order to expand their knowledge. 

🔬SMART START scientists put on lab coats and welcomed Bobby The Scientist for another on-site field trip! Interactive learning commenced with a Biology experiment. Bobby offered expertise on the technology equipment used in laboratories such as, a microscope. Next, he handed out Q-tips and instructed how to wipe inside the cheek to collect bacteria. Students then swiped the sample on a glass slide and examined it under a microscope. All were fascinated by the microorganisms living in their mouth!

🦀Bobby introduced his aspiring apprentices to a group of hermit crabs. Magnifying glasses were used to investigate the species up close. 

Here are a few facts we learned:

• Hermit crabs are crustaceans 
• They inhabit empty snail shells
• The study of crustaceans is called carcinology
• Crabs have 10 legs and 2 sets of antennae
• Humid temperatures are ideal for crabs

🐚Creative classmates designed some shells that the hermit crabs once resided in. Materials used were paint, glitter and miniature rocks. All were proud of their finished product and thanked the crabs for the spare shells.  

Click below to view more S.T.E.A.M at SMART START

💡SMART START💡

Fun on the Farm

     Throughout the summer, we had been studying all things farm at SMART START!
Follow along below to see what we learned.🐑


    🐄 Future farmers free played with an assortment of theme related toys in both our indoor and outdoor classrooms. Pupils entertained items such as, puzzles, tractors, barns, animals and puppets independently and in groups. Structured and unstructured play yields numerous benefits such as,

• an outlet to express emotions 
• foster independence
• encourage creativity 
• promote healthy brain development 
• freedom to choose and establish friendships
• enhance language and communicative abilities
• Instill a love for learning and so much more!

    🐖Young learners are always eager to observe our book displays. To coincide with this unit of study, the display showcased books and materials regarding farm life. Peers partnered up to read, learn and sing their favorite farm classics such as, "The Farmer in the Dell", "Five Little Ducks" and "Old Macdonald Had A Farm"! E-I-E-I-O!

    🍓 July is blueberry picking season! Dutiful gardeners were excited to discover a blueberry bush in the garden at our new school. In addition, students planted strawberry plants this spring that were ready to be picked. After harvesting the crop, all enjoyed the delicious berries during mealtime- grow what you eat!

    🐓 SMART START agriculturalists are gaining experience working their barnyard at school. The children diligently care for our classroom pets of chickens, ducks, rabbits and newly welcomed ducklings. In accordance of pecking order, prekindergartners are the relied upon farmhands while the younger preschoolers assist them. Farms chores include: feeding, grooming, cleaning and nurturing the animals.

    🐴 The travelling petting farm and pony rides on-site field trip was highly anticipated by all! Farming friends enthusiastically explored the pens of animals which included: chickens, rabbits, ducks, bunnies, chicks and goats! The children were able to pet, hold and feed each animal and were given a ride on Pearl the pony! Our farmer guests shared their expertise and were impressed with the knowledgeable comments and questions from the class. The petting farm also brought some farm fresh apple cider donuts! The group enjoyed these along with a special treat made by Asher-Thank you! These extended hands-on components of curriculum allow students to better comprehend the subject matter and further enrich their education.

🚜SMART START🚜

All About Sonnie!

     Sonnie was one of our “All About Me” presenters for August! She did a fabulous job decorating and showcasing her poster. Sonnie’s vibrant personality shined through as she explained some interesting facts about herself. All were very impressed with how Sonnie embraced this project. Excellent work, Sonnie!

Here are some details from Sonnie's poster:

• Favorite animal is a pig 🐖
• Wishes for all the popsicles and ice cream in the world 🍦
• Enjoys singing and dancing 🎵
• Loves to go to the beach 🌊
• Favorite color is pink 💗

     Everyone was all smiles for Sonnie's 3rd birthday party at school. She brought in delicious cookies, bubbles and playdoh to share with her friends. The class sang "Happy Birthday" to Sonnie in both English and Spanish and gifted her with a book.

     Miss Sonnie has been a SMART START student for over a year now. She is enthusiastic, spirited and a thoughtful classmate. We are excited to see what you will accomplish this year as a preschooler, Sonnie!

💛SMART START💛

Physical Education

     Physical education is an integral component of SMART START's curriculum. Exercise is necessary for a child's gross motor development, physical health, emotional well-being and more! Our young learners constantly utilize their bodily energy throughout the school day. Whether they are free playing on the swing sets or engaged in a structured fitness activity, our students are kept active in the indoor and outdoor classrooms.

Read below for more information regarding our physical education studies!


     During the Spring, Summer and Fall, SMART START athletes enhance their soccer skills with Coach Anthony! Recently, students have been training to perfect their footwork when dribbling, passing and kicking a ball. After many practices, Coach Anthony gathered the team for a scrimmage. Players were given pinnies to wear and assigned to positions on the field. Future world cup contenders showcased their abilities through goals, assists, punts and more. All received a good sportsmanship/team player award at the end of this season!

     Young yogis unrolled their mats in our outdoor classroom for some nature yoga! Pupils stretched and practiced poses such as, butterfly, downward dog, tree, cat-cow and warrior. This activity is concluded with guided meditation in the position of shavasana. During this time, students are encouraged to take deep breaths and close their eyes while poems or short stories are read. Yoga yields an exorbitant amount of benefits for children both mentally and physically. Some being but not limited to:

• Improves strength, flexibility, coordination and balance
• Teaches breathing techniques and self regulation
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Enhances concentration and mindfulness

     

     In addition, peers played yoga memory match to reinforce poses they learned. 

     The class was thrilled to welcome Miss Courtney for a gymnastics on-site field trip! Students participated in group stretching and exercises before beginning lessons on the mat and tumble track.  

Miss Courtney instructed on how to execute a forward roll and handstand and many were able to master these moves. This field trip served as the perfect way for the children to expend their energy while acquiring new skills!

⚽ SMART START⚽

All About Lucas!

     Lucas was the star student of July! He was most excited to present his “All About Me” poster to his classmates and teachers. Lucas did a remarkable job articulating his poster details and addressing comments. All were surprised when he showed a picture of his new baby sister, Kennedy! Great work, Lucas!

Here are some details from Lucas’ poster:

• Wants to be an astronaut when he grows up 🚀
• Wishes for a weed wacker 🍃
• Favorite color is green 💚
• Loves to ride his mower 🚜
• Favorite food is cheesburgers 🍔

     The class always looks forward to birthday parties at school. All had a wonderful time celebrating Lucas’ 4th Birthday! Lucas brought in superhero cupcakes and goody bags to share. Peers gifted Lucas with a book and sang “Happy Birthday” to him in both English and Spanish. 

     Lucas is one of the most recent members of our SMART START family. He is a bright student, kind friend and has been a great addition to the group. We are happy you are one of our Pre-kindergartners now, Lucas!  

Click below to view SMART START students singing "Happy Birthday" 🎂

💚SMART START💚

All About Bees!

     One of this year's insects of focus were bees! We hope you enjoy buzzing along with us through this unit of study 🐝

    Young learners were eager to explore our busy bee book display. In addition to showcasing literature about bees, the table contained an acrylic encased bioblast life cycle of a honeybee. Students used magnifying glasses to closely examine the egg to adult transformation.

     SMART START friends swarmed together in our outdoor classroom for an interactive storytime. Miss Francesca read books that contained numerous facts about bees. All were given a flower to hold while each classmate took turns using a bee puppet to "pollinate" the flowers. 

Here is some of what the class learned:

• Honeybees help plants grow through pollination
• A hive is where honey bees live
• The queen bee runs the hive and lays eggs
• Honey is made by worker bees

     The class was all abuzz over a new game called "Honeycomb Tree". The object of this activity is to remove every tree leaf before all the bees fall out of the hive. This cooperative game promotes good sportsmanship, hand eye coordination, cognitive development, fine motor skills and more!

     Future beekeepers worked diligently on constructing a three dimensional model of a honeycomb. Materials used for this project included: a large box, paper towel roles, bubble wrap, yellow paint and glue. Once complete, pupils compared their finished work to a real piece of honeycomb. 

     SMART START's colony excitedly welcomed a professional beekeeper to our hive for an on-site field trip! After an informative presentaton, the beekeeper passed around a jar of live honey bees, honeycombs, a bee smoker used to calm the hive and her beekeeping hat. All were fascinated to experience the subject matter up close. The group participated in a dramtic play activity that consisted of acting as various types of bees such as, workers (gather pollen nectar and make honey), drones (male bees) and the queen (lays eggs). Lastly, the children savored a taste of honey made by the beekeeper's very own honeybees!

🐝SMART START🐝 

All About Brooklynn!

     Next in the “All About Me” poster sequence was miss Brooklynn! She creatively designed her poster and was eager to begin presenting. Brooklynn informed the class of many interesting facts about herself. All were amazed by Brooklynn’s vocabulary, self-confidence and conversational skills. Fantastic job, Brooklynn! 
Here are some details from Brooklynn’s poster:

• Favorite color is purple 💜
• Wants to be a doctor when she grows up 💉
• Wishes for a baby brother 👶
• Favorite animal is a cow 🐄
• Favorite food is cookies 🍪

     Brooklynn’s 3rd birthday party at school was so much fun! She kindly brought in lovely princess cupcakes and goody bags for her friends. Classmates gifted Brooklynn with a book and sang “Happy Birthday” to her in both English and Spanish. 

     It is a delight having Brooklynn at school with us! She is a smart, adventurous and caring student. We are thrilled to continue watching you shine as a preschooler, Brooklynn!

💙 SMART START💙