S.M.A.R.T. News
January/February 2007

Better Tools

Dear Readers, Happy New Year

Why Can't This Kid Sit Still? by Kathy Orth

Better Training

They Are What They Eat and Drink by Launa Ellison

Better Results

We Are A Fourth Year Site, NOW WHAT?

Kindergarten Students Now Working On Counting By 3's, 4's and 6's

 

Prior Lake Popcorn Is So GREAT!

A special thank you to Carol Lindroos, Kindergarten teacher and S.M.A.R.T. Team Leader at Jeffers Pond Elementary in Prior Lake, MN for sharing her creativity with this activity.

"I made the poem up kind of on the spot one day.   It is a Lindroos original!!!!

First you take the pan, turn on the heat.

Add in the oil and the popcorn to the beat.

Clap clap clap.

Sizzle sizzle sizzle sizzle!

Pop!

The group is to pull up their knees and their head on the claps.   That is the signal to get the body ready. Sizzle as long as you want as the groups ability improves.   Mine are holding for 15 seconds."

 

Tell me I forget,

teach me I remember,

involve me and I learn.
 

Upcoming MLRC Workshops

S.M.A.R.T.

Minneapolis, MN
Tuesday, February 27 - Friday, March 2, 2007

Huron, SD
Tuesday, June 12 - Friday, June 15, 2007

Introduction to Dyslexia Program Teaching

Minneapolis, MN
Wednesday, February 21 - Thursday, February 22, 2007

Watch our website for soon to be announced summer workshops!

CONTENT
Dear Readers - Happy New Year!   It is hard to believe the school year is half over!   As the new legislative session begins, we at the MLRC are gearing up to meet with education committee members to share with them our progress across the state over the past two years.  
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Why Can't This Kid Sit Still?
by Kathy Orth

Why can't he hold his pencil without breaking the lead?

Why does he keep moving his paper when I tell him to leave it in the middle?

Why does he constantly slouch?

Why can't he pay attention to me?

How many times over the years have you asked these questions about one or more of your students?
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They Are What They Eat and Drink by Launa Ellison

Obesity in the news... adult and children. Overweight kids become overweight adults. Eat more fruits and vegetables, exercise 60 minutes a day. Schools cutting recess for more study time. What can I do?? My day is too full already!
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We Are A Fourth Year Site, NOW WHAT?

You have the equipment, the experience, the knowledge, positive feedback, increased reading scores. You have completed three years of implementing the S.M.A.R.T. Program. Should you continue?
(more)

 

Kindergarten Students Working On Counting By 3's, 4's and 6's

"The goal for our classroom is to be able to count to 120 by 2's, 5's and 10's by the end of the year. This year my students successfully completed the 5's and 10's goal by the end of October. Normally, I see 25 - 30% of my students who struggle with this goal well into January! I firmly believe that the incorporation of counting ladders during S.M.A.R.T. time has made this difference. Even better news...I have students who now are working on counting by 3's, 4's, 6's, etc.   In the six years that I have been teaching first grade...this is a first.   GO S.M.A.R.T.!"

Bette Traxler, First Grade Teacher

Le Center Elementary School

 


Minnesota Learning Resource Center
1800 2nd Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
www.themlrc.org