Smart Starters

Empowering Early Learners Through Movement, Perception & Foundation Skills Since 1973

Smart Starters was created to support Australian schools and early childhood educators with high-quality curriculum resources and professional development in Perceptual Motor Programs and Foundational Mathematics Skills.

Today, our programs are used by hundreds of schools across Australia and internationally, helping children in their first three years of schooling build essential motor, perceptual, and foundational skills through structured, whole-class learning.

What’s included in the program:

• 200 sequential activities delivered via Starter and Extension Cards
• A detailed Teacher Manual with Classroom Language Follow-Up Sheets
• Floor Session Plans, parent support materials, movement/music CDs
• A Screen Test for assessment, plus follow-up Language Activities

Each of these resources is designed to support teachers and schools in delivering evidence-based early learning programs that improve children’s physical literacy, attention, and school readiness.

How it works

Each session involves up to 30 students rotating through five activity stations:

• Four stations target motor, perceptual, and foundational skill development
• One station focuses specifically on eye tracking
• Every session is aligned with the Outcomes Model, ensuring all key areas of early childhood development are addressed

Flexible Delivery

Most schools run three sessions per week:

• Two Equipment Sessions
• One Floor Session

Schools can increase session frequency to accelerate motor and perceptual skill acquisition and overall learning outcomes.

Additional Support: Therapy & Wellbeing Dog Resources

We also offer structured activities and support materials for schools integrating therapy or wellbeing dogs into their classrooms. This includes:

• Risk assessments
• Health and grooming guidance
• Training protocols
• Ready-to-use classroom activities