During the summer of 2007, I attended a workshop on the S.M.A.R.T. Curriculum. In this workshop I was taught a variety of ways to improve the physiological and neurological readiness skills for students. I have been able to incorporate these activities into my student teaching. Many of these activities can be completed in the classroom in five minutes or less at different times throughout the day and Spindale Elementary School also has a BOOST-UP room in place to meet a more rigorous play-like time. Below you will find a general description of the S.M.A.R.T. Curriculum.

The Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training (S.M.A.R.T.) Curriculum is a multi-sensory approach to learning, designed to develop and enhance the physiological and neurological readiness skills students  need to succeed in school. The curriculum consists of activities for developing and/or enhancing student's large and fine muscle skills, visual perception, and eye-hand coordination. Once these readiness skills are in place, students have the necessary tolls to be able to learn to read. If students do not develop these skills, chances are good that they will continue to struggle in the classroom, become increasingly frustrated and fail in school. The S.M.A.R.T. Curriculum is designed to help each student progress at her or his own rate and to enrich and enhance the student's abilities in a positive and "play-like" atmosphere.
Minnesota Learning Resource Center
A Program of A Chance To Grow
New Visions School
1800 Second Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418