Enhancing Learning through "Soft Starts" in the Classroom

In the realm of education, a novel approach known as a "soft start" has been gaining popularity while fostering an environment that promotes mindful engagement and purposeful learning. Originally conceived by a group of four teachers at the Virginia Chance School in the K-1 setting, this concept holds promise for learners of all stages. At its core, a soft start revolves around the idea of ensuring every part of a student’s day is purposeful, has meaning and includes a combination of both individual student and group needs (Daniels, 2017). This approach has the potential to revolutionize educational practices for diverse age groups, including adults.

A Personal Encounter with Soft Starts

During my immersive sessions in the Masters of Educational Technology (MAET) Program at Michigan State University, I was exposed to the practical implementation of a soft start strategy. Each class began with a projected slide outlining opportunities for our soft start period, which typically commenced around fifteen minutes after the scheduled start time. As an adult learner, this routine provided a golden opportunity to acclimate, catch up on tasks, recalibrate my focus, and engage with peers. Reflecting on this experience, I couldn't help but envision the positive impact of a soft start approach in my middle school classrooms.

According to the Heinnman Blog, when students embark on their learning journey at a gentle pace and with autonomy, they cultivate a sense of security and control. This foundation positions them to seamlessly transition into more intricate, inquiry-based learning, fostering genuine engagement (2022). I began to lead myself down the path of asking a series of What if? and How? questions like Berger describes in A More Beautiful Question. What if I included soft starts in my middle school classes? How could I condense the fundamental aspects of a soft start into a fifty-minute class period?

Implementing Soft Starts in the Classroom

In thinking about the adaptability of this approach, I embarked on a mission to weave soft starts into my teaching routine. Rather than allocating a mere five minutes for warm-up exercises or bell ringers, I decided to dedicate this time to a soft start, enabling my students to settle into the day's learning. To facilitate this process, I created a versatile slide deck that could be effortlessly tailored to different tasks and prompts. In a world where content mastery is at the focus of education, the significance of purposeful play and unstructured exploration often remains under-appreciated. My aspiration for this segment of class is to grant learners the freedom to interact, collaborate, and unleash their creativity using materials such as Play-Doh, puzzles, Legos, or basic art supplies. These unstructured minutes not only nurture collaboration and creativity but also fosters the mental flexibility required for diving deeper into the historical narratives that await.

The above slides will be used for the first five minutes in my middle school classes and are specific to each period.

Amidst the intricate web of education, "soft starts" emerge as a pivotal thread that weaves intention, engagement, and exploration into the web of each learning experience. While originating in early education, the far-reaching potential of soft starts spans across age groups, forging a connection between structured learning and boundless curiosity. As educators, let us seize the potential of soft starts to pave the way for a generation of learners who embrace knowledge and learning with an inquisitive and open mind.

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References

Berger, W. (2016). A more beautiful question: The power of inquiry to spark breakthrough ideas. Bloomsbury.

Daniels, H. (2017). The Curious Classroom. Heinemann

Heinemann. (2022, October 26). Begin the Day with Soft Starts: Try It with Students. Heinemann Blog. https://blog.heinemann.com/begin-the-day-with-soft-starts-try-it-with-students

Starry Sky. (2023, January 29). Aquarium 4K Video (Ultra HD) Beautiful Coral Reef Fish - Relaxing Sleep Meditation Music [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u3EHJuf4Mg