Learn with the Word Worms
​SMOs

Word Worms, Word Worms
We're in the garden herbs.
We love to learn, we love to squirm,
​So teach us a new word.
Good morning, Word Worms. Today we are going to learn all about my SMOs. That's short for supramalleolar orthosis. Those are the braces that I wear on my feet.
I wear my SMOs inside of my shoes. I have flat feet that need extra help. My SMOs keep my feet in the right position and help support me while I stand, walk, and run. 
SMOs are made out of plastic. I got to choose the colors of the plastic and straps. My SMOs are made just for me and match the shape of my foot.
Supramalleolar Orthosis might be hard to say at first.

First, say SUP-RA-MAL-LEO-LAR. 
Supra means above. Malleolar means ankle. That means that the top of this brace comes just above my ankle. 

Now, say OR-THO-SIS. 
Orthosis is another word for brace.

Supramalleolar Orthosis can also be shortened to SMO. When you shorten words like that, using only some of the letters, the short word is called an abbreviation. 

I do a great job at putting my SMOs on. First, I put on a cotton sock. I make sure to pull the sock all the way up. The sock helps protect my skin from rubbing against the SMO.
Next, I loosen the straps and spread the plastic opening that will wrap around my foot.
Then I slide the SMO onto my foot from behind, heel first. I make sure that my heel is all the way inside the SMO.
When I fasten the straps I make sure that they are snug. 
Finally, I'm ready to put on my shoe.
"That looks like the brace that frog wears," one worm says.
"Do you mean the frog that's always chasing us?" another worm whispers.