This week’s class was fantastic — Brittany is such an inspiring teacher! I really appreciate her SEL morning check-ins and her focus on soft starts and transitions. I spend Wednesdays in a grade 4/5 class, and they begin each day with about fifteen minutes of silent desk work, and finish their day by free time or outdoor play. I’m a strong believer in soft starts and I can absolutely see how they can help make time for absences and assessments. Brittany’s idea of having each student touch a “zone” as they enter the classroom is also brilliant — I might borrow it! It’s a simple yet effective way to help kids feel safe and supported.
I was also excited to learn about the digital portfolio tool she uses, which I’d never heard of before. It seems like a great way to track progress and communicate with families. I really like the idea of ongoing assessment rather than relying on traditional report cards at the end of a term. The way Brittany collaborates with her students to create rubrics, decorations, and learning materials also fosters a strong sense of community in the classroom. I definitely see the value in these approaches and hope to incorporate them into my own teaching someday.
This website has 10 student check-in activities that could be used as part of a morning soft start! Link: https://www.socialemotionalworkshop.com/student-check-in-activities/