Help support Mrs. Felland's Classroom

I watched my own family morning routines and realized that when we start our day in a softer way, it affects the tone of our entire day. So, in a nutshell, that's what a soft start is: a gentle invitation into our classroom learning environment. I was inspired to implement this concept from a fellow teacher's blog (Hello Fifth) who sold me on the idea of lowering student stress and anxiety through interactive play and STEAM-based activities. This concept appealed to me immediately because my students come from trauma filled backgrounds and often enter my door with the weight of the world on their little 8-year-old shoulders. Helping them to "empty their cup" and move out of survival mode into a place of learning has always been a challenge. By allowing my students the gift of 10-15 minutes of soft start mornings every Monday, I give them an opportunity for choice, interaction, and fun! This simple shift has helped by improving students' overall opinions of school, lowering stress and anxiety, and also lends itself to positive attitudes and less burdened minds. This funding would provide my classroom with a storage cabinet, storage bins, and the beginnings of interactive toys and games for students to independently choose and engage in. Chosen games include Legos, Uno, Mancala, and Geoboards for starters. As the year goes on I’ll continue to collect new items so that I can rotate activities and keep it fun and new.

About my class

I watched my own family morning routines and realized that when we start our day in a softer way, it affects the tone of our entire day. So, in a nutshell, that's what a soft start is: a gentle invitation into our classroom learning environment. I was inspired to implement this concept from a fellow teacher's blog (Hello Fifth) who sold me on the idea of lowering student stress and anxiety through interactive play and STEAM-based activities. This concept appealed to me immediately because my students come from trauma filled backgrounds and often enter my door with the weight of the world on their little 8-year-old shoulders. Helping them to "empty their cup" and move out of survival mode into a place of learning has always been a challenge. By allowing my students the gift of 10-15 minutes of soft start mornings every Monday, I give them an opportunity for choice, interaction, and fun! This simple shift has helped by improving students' overall opinions of school, lowering stress and anxiety, and also lends itself to positive attitudes and less burdened minds. This funding would provide my classroom with a storage cabinet, storage bins, and the beginnings of interactive toys and games for students to independently choose and engage in. Chosen games include Legos, Uno, Mancala, and Geoboards for starters. As the year goes on I’ll continue to collect new items so that I can rotate activities and keep it fun and new.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. Felland's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Felland's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. Felland's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Felland's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Share this classroom

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.