A "soft start" is a routine that helps students settle into class before diving into academic work — a gentle bridge between the rush of the morning and the demands of the school day. In my classroom, this looks like individual, STEM-based activity bins that students work with at their desks for 10–15 minutes while listening to calm music. Students are asked to stick with the same activity for the full duration, which helps build endurance, patience, and creativity

Daily Question
Each morning, students log into Seesaw to answer a daily question. These questions follow a weekly pattern and draw on a variety of skills and tools — ranging from fun and silly to informative and thought-provoking. This routine gives students great practice following multi-step directions, using the technology supports available to them, and seeing a task through to completion within a set time. You can check out your student's responses on Seesaw by joining at the link below.

Weekly Pattern:

• Monday: Check-In (variety)

• Tuesday: Drawing (digital art tools)

• Wednesday: Would You Rather (typing/emojis)

• Thursday: Recording, video, or free response

• Friday: Plans, sharing, or "Teach the Teacher"

This year, students will focus on a life skill of the week. These are practical skills that we sometimes forget need explicit instruction!  Skills will include tasks such as writing your full name, memorizing phone numbers, sending a letter, greeting people, using an alarm, and more.  Information about each skill will be included in my weekly newsletter tosoparents can continue conversations at home. 

We are using a resource created by: Letters From Mikelle

At the start of each month, student fill out a blank calendar with upcoming events, holidays, and class birthdays as well as when I'll be in meetings. This frontloads students with possible changes to their routine and schedule. These go on the outside of their communication folders to keep parents informed as well.