Setting you up for success

Smart Choices "Setting You Up For Success" Booklet

Before you get started I would like to ask one favor. Please do NOT share this page with anyone that has not purchased Smart Choices. The information provided on this page is intended for YOU, our customers/clients. Each one of you have received a Smart Choices "Setting You Up For Success" booklet along with your order. Obviously, the information on those pages will not magically update so this page is the next best thing PLUS you can access it ANYWHERE!

The purpose of this "secret squirrel" page is so our wonderful clients can have information (NEW or otherwise) at your fingertips so consider Smart Choices Image Cards as a great travel buddy, "on the go", home, or just "anyplace" style of learning.

Remember, it is not the odds, but the stakes,
Brian and Shelley Hill of Smart Choices

Definition of Success: Prepare your child by developing critical thinking & problem solving to help them make smart choices when you are not there

Smart Choices is a well thought out deck of 84 Image Cards that focuses on IMAGES that will help parents/teachers/educators teach children to recognize danger and to make smart choices ahead of time. Smart Choices will aid in having a plan for the whole family so you AND your child will know what to do when presented with some difficult decisions.

There’s a reason your child’s storybooks are filled with colorful pictures and images. Visuals are proven to help increase learning retention for kids, adds context and makes it easier for kids to follow along and interpret the context of your conversations.

According to Dr. Lynell Burmark, education consultant who writes and speaks about visual literacy: “…unless our words, concepts, ideas are hooked onto an image, they will go in one ear, sail through the brain, and go out the other ear. Words are processed by our short-term memory where we can only retain about seven bits of information (plus or minus 2) […]. Images, on the other hand, go directly into long-term memory where they are indelibly etched.”

Smart Choices Image Cards was designed to focus on your child processing primarily in pictures rather than words, so ideas are interconnected, and your child can see the relationship between elements (verbal discussion plus visual learning) in the whole.

Here are just a few advantages of this style of IMAGE BASED learning:

Pictures appeal to curious young minds
Respond to visual information FASTER
Most effective way to make sure your conversations get stored as a long-term memory
Communication between you and your child can be quicker and even deeper
Grasps concepts easily by stimulating imagination
Smart Choices Image Cards will help your child CONNECT your previous conversations and our images with REAL LIFE situations. We are working as a team to set them up for success, find the SMART CHOICE "file" that relates to the situation, act on it and get home safely.

Please like/follow Smart Choices on Instagram and Facebook for Smart Choices updates, discussions, photos and MORE!

Visit our Smart Choices Image Cards website to Meet Arlo the Ant, See what is NEW with our Expansion Packs, see Reviews, AND AND AND read/watch video BLOGS and check out our STATISTICS: It Is Not The Odds, But The Stakes page.

CHOOSE AN IMAGE EVERY 2-4 WEEKS! BUILDS TRUST IN A FUN WAY! Smart Choices will aid in having a plan for the whole family so you AND your child will know what to do when presented with some difficult decisions.

With the help of “Arlo the Ant”, Smart Choices focuses on Image Cards that help parents/teachers/educators teach children to recognize danger and to make smart choices ahead of time.

Smart Choices is not about dumping knowledge into your child’s brain; it is about carrying on a conversation with them. WE SUPPLY THE IMAGE AND YOU SUPPLY THE SUBJECT MATTER, with plenty of “helpful hints” from us.

Smart Choices BAG Contents = The Whole Kit & Caboodle:

84 Smart Choices Image Cards
1 6x10 burlap bag/sack for Smart Choice Image Cards storage
1 “Setting You Up For Success” booklet
LINK to our hidden ONLINE “Setting You Up For Success” web page
1 Arlo the Ant sticker (on burlap bag/sack draw string)
1 Arlo the Ant magnet
1” x 1” Arlo the Ant stickers (mark a specific "Arlo Day" on your calendar OR place Arlo on an Image Card that signifies your child knows that scenario well OR you choose something special).

Smart Choices Image Cards ONLY Contents:

84 Smart Choices Image Cards
1 “Setting You Up For Success” booklet
LINK to our hidden ONLINE “Setting You Up For Success” webpage

Benefits:

This deck of Image Cards was created for ages 4-13 but ages OVER 13 will benefit as well
Encourages the 4 main Learning Styles that children use
Developing self esteem and confidence so they don't succumb to peer pressure
Create awareness and planning ahead
To open communication about sensitive subjects
Visual recognition of dangerous situations
Help recognize “body language”
This is a chance to encourage your child to think for themselves
Explore choices for safety
Learn that preparation in advance is a GOOD THING

Smart Choices supplies 84 two-sided Image Cards:

On the front will be an image that your child will see.
On the back will be plenty of "Helpful Hints" to help parents during discussions. These are just "hints" because the connection to your children during these drills will most likely be through YOUR imagination, experiences, and learned communication on HOW your child best listens and learns.

You know your child and "how to speak their language". Each parent/guardian has their own set of rules, expectations and teaching style so WE are focusing on setting you up for success to help your child learn while YOU supply the “meat and potatoes” for each image.

The information provided in Setting You Up For Success comes from common sense, experience, online research and the advice of professionals in the education and counseling fields. References list below.

The Set-Up:

First, watch the video on the HOME page.
Second, please consider visiting our BLOG page and our STATISTICS: It Is Not The Odds, But The Stakes page.
Now, pick out the Image Card that you want to start with and have a “game plan”. Please read this entire booklet before decisions are made so we can help set you up for success.
Pick a day and time to work with your child where you can be relaxed and have no time restraints.
No matter the age, we HIGHLY recommend reserving 15 – 30 minutes (depending on the Image Card subject) for each Smart Choices discussion.
·Turn your phone off (and have them turn their phone off) and give your child 100% of your attention. Trust me, they will eat it up and will keep coming back for more Smart Choices and special time with you.
Make the decision BEFORE each session to be patient while your child process and to be open minded to changing your “tactics” for learning to occur.
Smart Choices can be used anywhere so pick a nice, quiet and comfy spot to talk with your child.
Simply show your child the Smart Choices Image Card and use the “Helpful Hints” on the back to guide the conversation as you see fit.
THERE ARE 4 LEARNING STYLES SO TRY TO WORK THEM INTO EACH DISCUSSION WHEN POSSIBLE (see below).
Give your child time to hold the card, look at it, and study it.
Invite them to ask questions throughout the entire discussion.
You will ROCK IT EVEN MORE when you use your imagination and personal experiences to connect with your child.
Store the used Image Cards in another area and add them into a NEW conversation from time to time. You will begin to see familiarity and growth. This is a great way to measure progress and KNOW that learning has occurred

Research Topics:

Occasionally you see an Image Card/scenario that you don’t know much about, or just can’t relate to. That’s totally OK. Just jump on GOOGLE and research that topic.
The more YOU put into each session, the more THEY will get out of it. If some Image Cards make you uncomfortable, feel free to research HOW to talk to your child about sensitive subjects

There are 4 main Learning Styles for children. Here is how to identify YOUR child’s learning style:

Tactile (learn through touch)
Kinesthetic (learn through doing and moving)
Auditory (learn through hearing)
Visual (learn through seeing)

Kinesthetic Learners can also be Tactile Learners:Kinesthetic/Tactile learners are physical. You'll know if your child has this strength if she is great at sports or a natural dancer. These learners usually have a strong sense of balance, and they learn best by touching or doing things themselves. For example, this kind of learner tends to use a lot of gestures, or she may count on her fingers or clap along while she is counting.
Kinesthetic learners may have even exhibited some of these characteristics as babies or toddlers by being early crawlers and walkers, or especially physical babies. If so, these strengths have probably stayed with her as she’s grown older.
Indications your child is a kinesthetic learner:

Aptitude in sports, dance, or other physical activities
Tendency to fidget while in her seat — she may need to move while processing information
Frequent use of gestures when speaking or explaining things
A love of hands-on activities and play-acting
Enjoyment of writing, drawing, or handwriting exercises
Early physical development, such as walking, crawling, or sitting early
Sharp hand-eye coordination

Auditory Learners:Auditory learners are drawn to sound. They may be especially musical and show an aptitude for playing instruments or singing. They are good listeners and often have verbal strengths. They follow oral directions well.
As a baby, did your child perk up when conversations were going on around her? Did she notice the sound of the rain when other children were oblivious to it? Does your child better understand when she reads aloud to herself? If so, then you probably have a child who learns best by listening.
Indications your child is an auditory learner:

Aptitude in music, instruments, or vocal ability
Tendency to sing along to songs or to create her own songs as she plays
Strong verbal ability, especially through repetition of words or phrases she’s heard before
Ability to listen well and follow verbal directions
A love for talking and discussions
Sharp ability to notice sounds that others don't recognize
Perking up when she hears music or dialog

Visual Learners can also be Reading/Writing Learners:
Visual learners are observant of the world around them and are drawn to art. You may notice this kind of learner looking at paintings, lingering over illustrations in books, and showing keen interest in photographs. Visual learners tend to enjoy screens — whether computers, televisions, or movies, and they retain the information they find there.
These kinds of learners also have vivid memories. If your child is a visual learner, she may be especially skilled at remembering names, places, and people. She may have even exhibited these skills from a young age, by recognizing the places you’ve returned to together.
Indications your child is a visual learner:

A vivid imagination
An interest in art: painting, drawing, or crafts
A strong memory that relays visually-observed information
A good sense of direction and an understanding of maps
An aptitude in reading and a love of books
Recognition of people, faces, and places
A keen interest in observing the world around her

Make sure you pick “age specific” Smart Choices Image Cards:

Ages three – five your child will be incredibly busy cutting, pasting, singing, learning numbers, letters and simple directions. They are active, like to explore and are learning good motor control.
Ages six – eight your child will have busy days filled with supervised and unsupervised outdoor activities, homework, and communicating deeper with friends. They will have tons of questions and will have good days and bad days….just like us. They can be self-centered and very demanding yet very fun to be around. They need simple rules and a daily routine….organization is a MUST.
Ages nine – eleven your child is stretching great ranges. Some are still like “little kids” while others are quite mature. You may have puberty, emotions and attitude changes. They begin to really think logically, like to work on real tasks and are even ready for their first “paying job” like mowing lawns, helping around the house more, tutoring a younger sibling, etc. They are bursting at the seams with energy and physical activities are important. Sports, clothes, friends, fitting in and their social life will reach a whole new level. You will need to focus on communication, ground rules, and learning to trust them when not around.
Ages eleven – thirteen your child is changing fast in body, mind and emotions. One day they are responsible and the next they are six years old again and can barely think for themselves. They are more independent, self-conscious, and can handle more “hard truths” about the world. Friends are more important than family at times which means some of their choices will be sub-optimal. They need to know that family is behind them no matter if they stumble in their attempts to grow up. Teasing and lack of their own space can unbalance them yet they need laughter to lighten the load of growing up.

Moderation is a MUST:

Some of the Smart Choices Image Cards are heavy subjects and they MUST NOT be treated like flashcards.
Do NOT bombard them with Image Card after Image Card or they will feel overwhelmed and lose interest.
Progress over Product: You need to see how your child is learning and developing particular skills to make good choices – is your approach to teaching and learning working? If you present Image Cards in moderation you can make consistent, valid, evidence-based decisions on you teaching style and their learning.
No matter the age, we HIGHLY recommend only 1 discussion every 2 weeks or even once a month (depending on the age of your child).

Open mind and Open Communication for both adult and child:

Creates opportunities to re-think assumptions, identify misinformation, and consider alternative ways to make decisions.
It helps to be open to learning new things, encouraging questions to broaden minds, and to be respectful and considerate to other people’s perspectives.
You are both more willing to venture outside of your comfort zones and share feelings, experiences, and put yourself in other people’s shoes.
It encourages fairness, honesty and even the ability to admit “you don’t know everything”.
It is the seed that plants the ability to handle constructive feedback; sometimes working as a “team” is better than making decisions alone and it allows for alternative choices to be introduced.
Simply, it builds TRUST.

Repetition is a MUST:

The deepest “aha’s” spring from an encounter or subject that you have visited many times. Repeating words, actions and decisions fuses into one’s awareness. Somewhere in the repetition process, abstract thought kicks in and your child begins to make connections. Simply put, people learn from repetition; the repetition builds paths in our brain. Once we have been down the same path a few times, we find the place quicker next time.
Repetition provides the practice that children need to master new skills. Repetition helps to improve speed, increases confidence, and strengthens the connections in the brain that help children learn.
Recognizing situations quickly is one of the main factors to getting home safely.

MORE Helpful Hints:

Consider opening your conversations with “What would Arlo do” and use that question frequently.
We encourage you to find opportunities, or MAKE opportunities, to point out past Image Cards that they can recognize in REAL LIFE situations. Relating images to real life is beneficial in retention. Ask “What would Arlo do”?
Words are powerful but body language is just as important and can even be more influential. Mixed with our words, they have the ability to enhance learning, confuse or even “shut down” your child. Positive body language like eye contact, head nods, smiles, keeping your arms open, giving a thumbs up, and listening in a “thinking/listening pose“ like holding your chin and tilting your head will encourage your child to learn.
Use PROPS when applicable. Make it fun and interactive. Remember you want a two-way conversation.
We recommend keeping the reseal-able plastic bag that your Smart Choices Image Cards arrive in and placing contents in that plastic bag and then place that plastic bag in the burlap bag. This keeps your Image cards protected from weather, spills, etc. when not in use.

We are still in the "idea/creative" phase but I promise we will have Arlo tees, hats, book-bags, and other fun stuff super soon.
Our Arlo products will be offered through "Make It Yours By Alex". More to come!

References:
My parents Tom & Marla Luehder                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Before You
My sister and brother Stephanie Schrope & Chris Luehder                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Graphic Mama
My personal experiences and continuing education                                                                ELearning Industry
California Department of Education                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   EVERFI
Ability Path: Inspiring Inclusions                                                                                                       Eton Institute
Dr. Karen McDonald of Racheal’s Rest                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Davidson Institute
Children’s Library Lady                                                                                                               Rasmussen.edu
Telling Ain’t Training
What the Best College Teachers Do
Nemours, Reading BrightStart!
Journeys Through Teaching with Emma Wheatley
Noodle.com

“Smart Choices” is dedicated to my parents Thomas Oscar Henry Luehder and Marla Ann Smith Luehder