Students come to school each day with a wide variety of experiences and may not always be ready to learn when they walk through the door. A soft start for students mimics the way most of us prefer to start our day – with a chance to settle in before beginning work.
A soft start provides students a calm, interest driven environment to help them start their day.
Instead of jumping right into academics, I would like my students to have choices such as puzzles, LEGOs, building blocks, books, coloring, writing, and STEAM activities to do independently or with a small group. Taking time to explore individually, gives students time to themselves. Working within small groups promotes critical 21st century skills, such as teamwork and collaboration. Providing a soft start eases students into their school day and will reduce the stress many experience at the start of each day. With less stress, it is easier to make wise choices. It is also easier to learn new information. Creating an interest-driven, social learning environment to start each day will help students develop a sense of safety within the classroom that will allow them to tackle academic tasks throughout the day.
About my class
Students come to school each day with a wide variety of experiences and may not always be ready to learn when they walk through the door. A soft start for students mimics the way most of us prefer to start our day – with a chance to settle in before beginning work.
A soft start provides students a calm, interest driven environment to help them start their day.
Instead of jumping right into academics, I would like my students to have choices such as puzzles, LEGOs, building blocks, books, coloring, writing, and STEAM activities to do independently or with a small group. Taking time to explore individually, gives students time to themselves. Working within small groups promotes critical 21st century skills, such as teamwork and collaboration. Providing a soft start eases students into their school day and will reduce the stress many experience at the start of each day. With less stress, it is easier to make wise choices. It is also easier to learn new information. Creating an interest-driven, social learning environment to start each day will help students develop a sense of safety within the classroom that will allow them to tackle academic tasks throughout the day.
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