A Selection of

I found the instructor and owner to be very smart and an excellent teacher. You could really tell that when she spoke, she really knew what she was talking about. I hope that I will be able to be as confident and wise and I thought she was. She had such a strong confidence when she spoke that it really made an influence on the person listening.

I really loved this place. The students are so involved in everything, even the lesson plans. The teachers are there to help the children in guidance. The students are the ones who choose what they want to learn about. The fact that they can work out their problems and differences by themselves is wonderful. The challenge themselves. The parents are also involved as well. Each classroom the parents could sign up to come in and read a book or show and tell something. The parents also help the children in the lesson plans. If a parent is really good at gardening and the students are learning to do gardening then the parent could volunteer their time to come help the students learn. The teachers document everything. They keep a log outside their doors of what went on in the classroom everyday of the week. They also keep pictures, video, and record on tapes their fieldtrips, evaluation, etc. The art teacher creates lessons based on the lessons that they are learning. She gives examples of things that they can create and make and they make the decision if they do it or not, or they come up with their own ideas. The environment is awesome. They can go on nature trails and study things that way. Each room had their own patio that was covered so they could go outside whenever they want. The creation story was interesting because she took so long in planning and had to give in on so things just to get the building built and approved for a loan. The teachers help promote problem solving and self interest. They can look up things in books, on the internet, or even have speakers come in to talk about what they want to learn. The place was just amazing.

The art teacher was fantastic and did a great job at building enthusiasm in the students about creating art. I like how she uses so many different types of mediums for the children to create and explore within. She is so jazzed about art and I can see how that would rub off on the children.

At Smart Start I learned so much more about the Reggio Emilio Method than reading about it in our book. I thought it was so great the way the children get to learn about the things that they are interested in. It seems so important for kids to get to do that because otherwise they do not feel like their ideas are important. I also liked how they took them on nature walks and are able to learn about the animals they find and watch them mature. These things keep the children so involved and interested. The teacher's role was to guide and listen to the children. This is great because it really makes the kids feel like they can be themselves and not be afraid to ask questions they want to ask or explore the things that they want to explore. I wish I could teach at a school like this one. And the art productions were wonderful. What an exciting way to allow the children to be so creative.

I was so excited about all of the wonderful ideas and activities that were going on in this center. The teachers' role is to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge for the children. This is not a typical role for teachers. Teachers generally impart information, children study it, and children are tested on it. Teachers generally design their own curriculum with their own agendas. The children in this center learn about what interests them. The teachers listen,listen, listen to their children!!! They introduce ideas and concepts until the children find one in which they are truly interested. The children or learners are responsible for guiding their learning. They study about what interests them. The children engage in meaningful, learner-designed projects that appeal to them and about which they are excited. This is what education is supposed to be about in my opinion. The community of learners in which all contribute and learn from each other is ideal. Teachers evaluate learning through observation, use of open-ended questions, and portfolio development. I noticed that the environment was decorated with student artwork framed and celebrated! Art was a major part of topic exploration. The art teacher used the children's ideas and guided their exploration. The environment definitely impacts the learning. Children feel free to express their ideas about how things work and free to investigate their ideas. It is true community environment. The learning also makes a difference for the environment. Student-designed and created projects are displayed everywhere as ways for the students to represent what they are learning. Parents are an integral part of the learning. Parents have a part in the interview process for prospective teachers. Parents are allowed to watch what goes on in the classroom through the use of one-way viewing mirrors. Parents even helped to start the school. I absolutely loved this center, and it was nice to see that the children came first and were responsible for their learning!

I enjoyed visiting this center. The teachers facilitate the classroom but the students have a say in what they will study and discuss. It is geared towards the children which is what any school should be. All throughout the school were displays of the children’s thoughts, ideas, and creations on what they had studied. Webbing was used for lessons to help see what the children know and what thoughts and ideas they can arrive at. The children are then challenged to educate themselves by using technology, child-to-child interaction and hands-on learning. The transition from year to year for the children is unique in this school. The teacher remains with the same group of children until the children are ready for Kindergarten. What a novel idea!!! This is such a wonderful transition for children into mainstream school. They spend years learning from and with the same children and teacher. Consistency is so important. I enjoyed the outdoor area of the school as well. I like the fact that they have gardens for the children to learn from, they leave birds nests and ant hills on the playground so that they children can observe and learn about nature. My only concern with this school is that a student might have a difficult time transitioning from being the leader in their own learning to a school setting where the teacher controls the classroom and leads the learning. It's a great concept and one that I think is valuable to allow freedom of exploration, expression and learning.

Wow! There is allot going on in this building. I really liked the atmosphere of smart start and the ideas they had there. I had some concern with the transitioning from this program to a public school primary classroom. That is going to be a big difference for these student's who are used to leading their own explorations. I did like the fact that she goes and talks to the teacher about the program so they are aware where the student is coming from. I do think that it could still cause a few problems if the new teacher doesn't know how to facilitate that particular student's learning. It is hard to help a child learn if you are not aware of the method's in which the child is learning or don't have the ability to let them explore a subject to the extend they do in the Smart Start program. The student could feel rushed and shut down. I think the parents, the teacher's of Smart Start, and the new teacher have to really work together with the student and each other to ensure a positive outcome. I did think it was very neat that the children were in charge of what they wanted to learned about. The role of the teacher is to observe, see what children are interested in, document, and to teach children to have child to child relationships to acquire information. They also said it is very important the way the teacher approaches and talks to a student. The idea is to encourage higher level thinking by looking at there pictures of animals and instead of saying, "wow that's pretty" to reply, "what is your animal doing?" Also, instead of telling a student information, ask them, "How can we find out?" This opens their mind for exploration on the subject. They have to think about what resources they could use and how they would use them to find the information they need. The learners are independent and help each other learn. The teacher is there as a tool and a guide. The students use higher level thinking skills and investigation in order to find the answer. The curriculum is planned according to what the students want to know and are interested in. The students and teachers bring in ideas and interest and the students decide. One way that they do this is with webbing. They use all ideas no matter how off the wall they are. This is wonderful! All students are treated like their ideas are valid and real. Then it is up to the students to work together and share information to eliminate ideas that are not quite what they are looking for or are not realistic. They learn by each other and by bringing in experts. The students show there learning through projects, activities, exploration, and by creating different aspects f information they have found. For example, the space room we saw. In order to assess each child they create a portfolio for each student to show progress and learning. The students are in charge of their own learning and can use the tools in the environment to enhance experience. Parents are a huge factor in this learning process. Children spend the most time with the parents so it is important to keep them involved and up to date on their child's learning.
Overall I liked the ideas this center had. I liked the way the parents had to sign in and read postings. I also liked how every teacher had what they were working on and why posted outside the room so the parents know exactly what is going on and what their child is doing. This was a neat place.

I enjoyed our visit to Smart Start. It was interesting to see the Reggio Emilia instruction that we have be reading about in action. The teacher plays an important part as he/she provides opportunities and experiences for children to explore. Teachers throw out ideas but do not push the children; they just let them think for themselves. The whole environment was influenced by the children. It was full of the children’s work, ideas, and thoughts. Webbing was used in planning for each individual student. They kept a portfolio of each child and that child’s ideas, thoughts, and work. The teachers and environment challenged the children to work with each other. When the students found interest in Space Shuttles, their environment adapted to that topic. Now their classroom has been transformed into a space shuttle by the children. Parents are always involved and informed of what is going on. Newsletters and messages are left for parents every so often. This was a great center and I hope that I am able to visit again.

You had some great comments and I agree with you. What really struck me during the visit was that during the webbing the teacher writes down "all" responses, ideas and thoughts. As you said, even the off the wall ideas. This is such a great self-esteem builder for a child to know that they can give their input without being ridiculed. And the teacher without saying "that's not right or that won't work" challenges the children to find out and investigate their thoughts and ideas. Children need to feel free to express themselves and to realize that if their answer is wrong that is ok. ...and also to not just have it be wrong...but to know why it's wrong. It is just a great concept and one that I would hope all teachers could implement in their classroom.

Yes the teachers do listen. It’s as if the children are the ones teaching and the teachers just guide the children in their own learning. I think the teachers at this school are so incredibly unique in that they have that belief and understanding the children have the power to learn anything. There are so many teachers out there that aren't like that so these teachers truly are special. These children have such a wonderful opportunity.

was very intrigued and impressed with our visit to Smart Start. The Reggio Emilio approach, which the school is based upon, utilizes the teacher as a facilitator of learning. The children are allowed to explore and encouraged to move in directions that interest them. The teacher may "guide" their path along the way, but the curriculum is interest driven. The children are encouraged to explore all aspects of a subject i.e. the pet project Dee mentioned during our visit. The children were encouraged to employ problem solving and logical thinking to come up with information for pet possibilities to finally determine the appropriate pet for their group. These skills will serve the children well in their future. I don't think children were or are encouraged to problem solve and use their brains (novel idea!) to come up with solutions by investigation and analysis of the information gathered.

The teachers observe students, use anecdotal records, portfolios, lots of photographs and conversations with other teachers to document child progress. The children are encouraged to participate in the portfolio building process as well.

The students are exposed to various "experts" in particular areas i.e. The Critterman, visits to the World Aquarium and what I found interesting is the use of peer 'experts' from other classes. Dee mentioned that they had children from other classes come in and discuss the pros and cons of their pet choices to help the class make a decision for their pet.

The children are encouraged to "get dirty" on the playground. Whether it's in the garden, water area or on a walk near the creek behind the facility; the children are encouraged to learn by exploring. I like how the teachers made the swallow nests on the covered patios into a lesson that grew in the classroom. I was also impressed with the Garden Book that was assembled by the teachers.

I really enjoyed the visit and look forward to returning to observe soon.

Where do I start? This place is one of the most incredible places I've ever been. When I first heard about such a school I was really skeptical but it is obvious that a student centered learning approach more than works. The art teacher really inspired me. To be a part of the learning team is great. I asked the owner of Smart Start how music is incorporated into the curriculum. She said that they introduce the kids to all kinds of music as long as the words aren't abusive or offensive. She is wanting to have a marching band come perform for the kids next year. I loved the lofts in each of the rooms. It was really exciting to see Angela's daughter do what comes naturally -- touch the ceiling. Even now when I walk into a room with a low ceiling I do what comes naturally - try to touch the ceiling. I loved the idea that the students not only learn but EXPERIENCE learning. It was incredible that the swallows built nests outside the rooms for the kids to see life in process. What an incredible experience. I loved the way the kids don't have recess and that there is an outdoor bathroom and water fountain so as not to interrupt the learning experience. How cool is that? I have always said that people up here haul in dirt to create 50 feet hills and the owner of the center proved it when she told us that dirt was hauled in to create hills so the kids could experience hills. I must admit I was really grossed out when she said that the kids watched animals and watermelons decomposed but I thought when I was that age that would be pretty cool. To experience textures, sounds, feelings, life is incredible. The evidence that this improves a child's learning capacity is overwhelming. I wish our government could see that by having an education where money is limitless and children are valued is the way to get our education on the pathway they want us to be. If every school was set up on the premise that Smart Start is set upon I feel all the teaching to the tests and a lot of stress would be obsolete. I guess it shows I was REALLY, REALLY impressed with this center. If we could at all afford it I would do anything to get my nephew here but I'll do the next best thing. Now that I know what can be done to improve a child's learning experience I can make sure that Bailey has lots of experiences. (If anyone wants to come to Gainesville and start a program like this I'll be more than happy to welcome you!)

I enjoyed the field trip to Smart Start. I think all schools would benefit from following in their footsteps. The major role of the teacher is observing the children. They can do this by taking anecdotal records on the children throughout the day. The teacher also provides guidance, has a structured schedule (but this schedule can also be flexible).The teachers provide open-ended materials for the children to use. The teachers build upon the interests of their children to plan their schedules and activites.The teachers encourage higher level thinking by asking higher level questions and providing materials. The children are with the same two teachers for two years. I think this is a great idea. Not only does the teacher get to know the student, but the student gets to build a strong relationship with the teacher. The artelista not only works with the classroom teachers and develops ideas with them to work on with their students, but she also works with the students. I was very impressed with the terrific projects that the students had worked on, and with such enthusiasm. The art teacher works at the center three times during the week. She seems so excited to be working with these children & this is very important. I thoroughly enjoyed this field trip. I would like to spend more time there and actually see how they teach.

The teachers allow the students to create the lesson plans of the week. For example, the choosing a pet lesson. I thought that it was incredible how the teacher thought about each child's suggestions for a pet and gave them the opportunity to research what pet would be best. This is a great teaching tool- it is something you have to do in real life.
I was also very impressed with the owner and creator of Smart Start. She had such a testimony of how the Reggio Emilio Project Approach worked. As I was sitting there listening to her speak, I felt as if the paradigm that I have had of teaching was shattered. This is not the kind of teaching that I have observed before! I'm ready to learn how to use this approach!

You mentioned so many great aspects of Smart Start. I also was impressed with the way the teachers encouraged problem solving. I also liked the way that the teachers encouraged students to work conflicts out for themselves as well. Teaching the children to use "I" statements is something most adults do not know how to use! I think of these children and am very happy that they have such a great learning environment. What an advantage they have!

What I enjoyed the most about Smart Start was the art teacher. She was wonderful. Not only do the children learn from her but she also learns from the children. She is so enthusiastic and creative. Those children have the opportunity to explore and create many different crafts that you wouldn't think a 4 year old could make. The artwork is displayed throughout the school. What impressed me the most is that the student's art work is framed. I'm sure that makes the student's feel special and that their artwork is valued. I really enjoyed listening to the art teacher. What a wonderful job she has.

I really enjoyed the Smart Start school.
The role of the teacher was a guider. The students (decided) planned what they were going to learn and the teacher guided them in that direction. One thing I really liked in the center was the journaling that the teacher did everyday, and placed it out of the door for the parents to read before picking up their child. I think this is a wonderful idea. The parents can be more involved. I also saw sign up sheets where parents or grandparents can come in and read a book aloud to the kids. This is also a wonderful idea. The teachers document everything that the students do. The teachers take pictures of everything and also keep a detailed portfolio for each child. The art teacher is wonderful there. She is an actual artist. She told us that she inspires the kids and the kids inspire her. She told us that her role in the classroom is to get stuff off the top shelf. I felt that was a wonderful role. She gets in there are paints and plays with the kids. There the kids have a wonderful outside experience. There are gardens where the kids can go and pick out plants and actually plant them. They are in charge of watering and keep up. There is a place where the kids can take nature walks and discover different things. When the kids find something interesting, the teachers incorporate into the learning. What’s neat about this school is that when kids start here, they move up with their teachers. This is an excellent idea. Kids learn more and easier when they are familiar with their environment. In this school, kids work out their own problems. The teacher does not separate them or tell them what to do, she just lets them work it out themselves. They have to learn to problem solve. This program is ideal for children, I think it is a wonderful place for kids to learn.