WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
The students really took ownership of our little city. After a few weeks, not only did our classroom interruptions stop, but behavior became a non-issue. I recommend Smartsville for teachers struggling with classroom management or anyone who is frustrated by behavior disrupting instruction.
Jennifer Clark Ozark second grade
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Last year was a great year with the program and I know this year will be even better! My kids are already begging for their job applications.
Terri Daly Fifth grade teacher in KC
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I absolutely love it!! I am using it again this year with my fifth graders and they love it. I was a little skeptical about trying it with my fifth graders thinking it might be too childish but I find them talking about it constantly with friends and family members. I had many parents telling me how excited their child was about coming to school because of their job. It gives the students a sense of ownership and teaches them responsibility. The students also learn life skills and importance of having a job, managing their money, and solving problems with others.
Tracy Roussell, Fifth grade Teacher
It was really fun to work as a class, share ideas in the town meetings, plan the monthly activity like the math game and eat with the teacher. I especially liked filling out the applications, telling why you would be at a certain job and then doing jobs like judge, city hall, mayor, board member and police.
Trudy, age 8
Smartsville made me a better citizen. It taught life lessons about the grownup world, and taught me responsibility and consequences of certain actions. I had various jobs such as mayor, judge, sheriff, policeman, sanitation worker, anchorman and milkman.
Silas, age 10
The city of Smartsville, with its population of only first graders, quickly evolved into a self-governing unit. Not only did the students learn to handle their own issues and problems, but they also bonded as a group and took on far more personal responsibility than most their age. The concept of allowing students both the ability to govern and to accept personal responsibility for their own actions not only creates an environment of acceptance and a feeling of control over their own day-to-day experience, it also teaches valuable life lessons that will have lasting benefits.
N. Austin, Parent
My name is Kayla. I enjoy Smartsville because it is like a real community. We have real jobs just like grown -ups do. My favorite job so far has been Mayor. I wish everyone could go to Smartsville. It is a really cool place.
Kayla McCary, Second grade Smartsville resident
I have been amazed at the change in my son and attribute a lot of it to the workings of Smartsville.
Kelly Schulz, Smartsville Second Grader Mom
Smartsville is a great addition to any classroom. I can’t think of a better way to teach our children about the society that we live in than through the practical experience learned using Smartsville.
Amy, Second grade parent
Going to Smartsville has rejuvenated my daughter’s thirst for learning. She is now eager to get up each morning and prepare for another exciting day in Smartsville. From job applications to Town Hall Meetings, my husband and I look forward to a replay of the day’s events. As a fellow educator and parent, I am so impressed with the way the students govern themselves and are so self-sufficient. Smartsville sounds like so much fun that I have to say, “Where was Smartsville when I was growing up?”
Jennifer McCary, Parent
SMARTSVILLE- Freeing Teachers; Empowering Students
