Toolbox 1 Program
is a set of
family-based activities for children
ages 3 to 5

Author Dr. Carol S. Lidz, Contributor Dr. Boris Gindis

Toolbox 2 Program
is a set of
family-based activities for children
ages 5 to 8

Goals and theoretical background of the SmartStart program

The primary goals of the Smart Start program are to help children to become self-regulated learners, to develop a planful, strategic approach to complex and novel situations, and to become effective symbol manipulators. To call these goals cognitive is not to ignore or downplay the importance of emotions. Emotion remains an important ingredient of good teaching and learning. There is a need for children to develop emotionally and socially, as well as cognitively. If development of higher levels of thinking takes place within relationships, it is best for these relationships to be positive, supportive, and enjoyable.

The SmartStart program relies on many sources. The main ideas derive from the work of two twentieth century psychologists: Vygotsky from Russia and Feuerstein from Israel. The ideas are also based on many research studies that relate parenting practices to successful scholastic achievement.

As educators and psychologists we have learned that love is indeed not enough to promote optimal development in children. Research and observations of what good teachers and parents do has taught us a lot about how to promote thinking, learning, and literacy in children. One of these lessons is that neither schools nor homes can or should bear the entire responsibility for children's development. Both home and school need to work together with shared goals and values in order for children to gain the most from these socializing experiences.

The SmartStart program was created with the basic needs and typical problems of the internationally adopted children in mind. Though it will be appropriate for any preschool and early elementary school age child, the parents, school and agency professionals, working with the internationally adopted children will find it most beneficial. The SmartStart program will be a good source of ideas and guidelines for what children need to learn and what needs to develop within them. Many of the activities that parents and teachers already do fit comfortably within the outlines of the SmartStart program. To make the program even more focused, we offer it in 3 varieties, based on child's age, emotional maturity and the level of English language acquisition. These factors are unique for each child, so there are no strict dividing lines between our courses, and all 3 follow the same plan and have the same number of units. Generally Toolbox 1 is for parents of the younger children with only emerging English; Toolbox 2 is for the parents of older and more linguistically advanced children. The 3d online class, which is meant for the school and agency professionals, working with children of different ages, makes an emphasizes on the theoretical background that would help caregiver to better understand when and how to use the activities we recommend.

The program can be taken at any time, but again, it is especially beneficial, if implemented in the very early stages of the child's adjustment to a new life and continued over months and sometimes years of cognitive remediation.

Unit 1. Introduction to the SmartStart Toolbox I

Unit 2: Noticing Our World

Unit 3. Let's make a plan

Unit 4. That's fantastic!

Unit 5. The Nimble Symbol

Unit 6. What's the Big Idea?

Unit 7. Who is in Charge?

Unit 8. Making Connections: Understanding the past - facilitating the future