Independent, Non-Educational Soft Starts

 


Soft start activities serve as a gentle transition from home to school, helping students settle into the classroom environment calmly and independently. These activities provide a predictable, low-stress routine that allows students to regulate their emotions, focus their attention, and prepare mentally for the learning day ahead. By offering choices that are non-academic, such as coloring, building, or mindfulness exercises, students can engage their creativity, fine motor skills, and problem-solving in a relaxed way. Soft starts also promote independence, giving students responsibility over how they begin their day while reducing classroom disruptions. Overall, these activities foster a positive, welcoming atmosphere that supports both emotional well-being and readiness for learning.

Independent, Non-Educational Soft Starts

  • Playdough or clay – calming, creative, and hands-on.

  • Coloring sheets / doodle paper – relaxing and easy for all ages.

  • Puzzle bins – jigsaw puzzles, tangrams, or brain teasers.

  • LEGO or building blocks – quiet creative play.

  • Fidget box – stress balls, pop-its, or sensory items.

  • Sticker station – sticker books or blank pages to decorate.

  • Friendship bracelet or bead making – fine motor and calming.

  • Origami or paper folding – step-by-step sheets provided.

  • Calm jars – students shake and watch glitter settle.

  • Independent drawing prompt cards – “draw your dream house,” “draw a silly monster,” etc.

  • Quiet games – solo card games like solitaire or memory match.

  • Nature items exploration – shells, rocks, pinecones in bins for sorting or touching.

  • Mindfulness corner – breathing cards, simple yoga cards, or a sand timer.

  • Mini whiteboards – free draw or doodle.

The key is choice + independence + low stimulation so students can transition smoothly into the day.


Educator Expense Deduction for Teachers


 
Federal tax break for K–12 educators called the Educator Expense Deduction.

How it works (quick facts)

  • Amount: You can deduct up to $300 of unreimbursed classroom expenses per eligible educator each year. If you’re married filing jointly and both spouses qualify, you can deduct up to $600 total (still capped at $300 per person). This is an “above-the-line” deduction you claim on Schedule 1 with Form 1040, so you don’t need to itemize. 

  • Who qualifies: Teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, and aides working at least 900 hours during the school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education (as defined by state law). 

  • What counts as qualified expenses:

    • Books, supplies, supplementary materials

    • Computer equipment, software, and related services used in the classroom

    • Professional development courses related to your role

    • PPE/COVID-19 prevention items (e.g., masks, disinfectant, air purifiers)

    • For health/PE classes, only athletic supplies qualify
      All must be paid out of pocket and not reimbursed by your employer, grants, or other sources. 

  • What’s not covered / limits:

    • Homeschooling expenses do not qualify for this federal deduction. 

    • You can’t “double dip” with amounts already excluded from income via EE/I savings bond interest, 529 plan distributions, or Coverdell ESAs. 

How to claim it

  • Keep receipts and payment records.

  • When filing, enter the amount on Schedule 1 (Form 1040), Adjustments to Income (the IRS page for Topic 458 links to the exact line and to Schedule 1). 

Official reference (website):
IRS — Topic No. 458, Educator Expense Deduction (includes the current $300 limit, who qualifies, what expenses count, and how to claim). IRS Educator Expense Deduction



Anchor Charts and How to Use Them Effectively

 


What Are Anchor Charts and How to Use Them Effectively

In many classrooms, colorful posters filled with words, sketches, and diagrams line the walls. These are anchor charts, and they’re more than just decoration. Anchor charts are visual tools co-created with students during lessons that capture key strategies, processes, rules, or ideas. They serve as a “reference point” that students can return to whenever they need support—hence the name anchor.

What Makes Anchor Charts Effective?

Anchor charts are powerful because they:

  • Build connections – Students help create them, which deepens ownership and understanding.

  • Provide visual reminders – Complex skills and steps are broken down in a clear, accessible format.

  • Support independence – Instead of asking the teacher again and again, students can refer back to the chart.

  • Encourage consistency – Charts stay up as long as they’re useful, reinforcing strategies throughout a unit.

Types of Anchor Charts

Teachers can adapt anchor charts to many purposes, such as:

  • Strategy charts – Show how to approach reading, writing, or problem-solving.

  • Procedural charts – Outline classroom routines or steps for group work.

  • Concept charts – Capture big ideas, vocabulary, or relationships between concepts.

  • Exemplar charts – Display strong examples of student thinking or writing.

Tips for Using Anchor Charts in the Classroom

  1. Create Them With Students
    Pre-made posters don’t have the same impact. Involve your students in building the chart during the lesson—record their words, highlight their strategies, and sketch visuals together.

  2. Keep Them Simple and Clear
    Use bold markers, easy-to-read writing, and visuals. Less is more—focus on the essential ideas rather than filling every inch.

  3. Make Them Accessible
    Hang charts where students can see and reach them. Some teachers rotate older charts into a “chart binder” or digital folder so students can still reference them without cluttering the walls.

  4. Update and Refresh
    Anchor charts should evolve with student learning. Add new examples, cross out misconceptions, or remove charts that are no longer needed.

  5. Encourage Student Use
    Model how to go back to a chart during independent or group work. Over time, students will naturally turn to them as a learning resource.

Why Anchor Charts Matter

At their best, anchor charts make the classroom a space where learning is visible, interactive, and student-driven. They shift responsibility from teacher to student, fostering independence and confidence. Instead of “teaching and moving on,” anchor charts allow learning to stay present and accessible—anchoring students in both content and strategy.



Equipment and Skills you Need to Effectively use Google Slides in a Classroom

 


Here’s a breakdown of the equipment and skills you need to effectively use Google Slides in a classroom:


Equipment You Need:

  1. Device for You (Teacher):

    • Laptop, Chromebook, or desktop with internet access

  2. Device Access for Students (if collaborative use):

    • Chromebooks, tablets, or computers
      (1:1 devices ideal, but pair/group use works too)

  3. Internet Connection:

    • Reliable Wi-Fi for accessing Google Drive and Slides

  4. Display Equipment:

    • Projector, smartboard, or large monitor to present slides

  5. Speakers (optional):

    • For playing embedded videos or audio recordings

  6. Google Account:

    • A personal or school-provided Google account
      (Google Workspace for Education preferred)


 Skills You Should Have (or Learn Quickly):

 Basic Tech Skills

  • Navigating a browser (preferably Chrome)

  • Logging into and managing a Google account

  • Creating and organizing files in Google Drive

 Google Slides Essentials

  • Creating and editing slides

  • Inserting text, images, videos, shapes, and links

  • Applying themes and customizing slide layouts

  • Using transitions and animations appropriately

  • Sharing files with proper permissions

 Teaching & Workflow Skills

  • Designing visual, engaging lessons (not just text dumps)

  • Using presenter mode and speaker notes

  • Collaborating with students on shared files

  • Giving feedback using comments

  • Embedding Slides in Google Classroom

 Optional Advanced Skills

  • Creating interactive slides (e.g., clickable links to other slides)

  • Using add-ons like Pear Deck or Mote

  • Embedding Slides into a Google Site

  • Managing templates and version history

  • Recording or uploading audio for instructions

Complete Guide for Teachers using Google Slides in the Classroom

 


Here’s a complete guide for teachers using Google Slides in the classroom, designed to help both beginners and experienced educators maximize its potential.


If you are unsure of what you need, first read: What skills and equipment do I need to Use Google Slides?

Teaching a Split Classroom

 


Teaching a Split Classroom: Unique Tips, Real-Life Scenarios, and Unexpected Benefits

Teaching a split classroom—one that combines two grade levels such as 4th and 5th or 5th and 6th—can feel like juggling two shows at once. The curriculum, maturity levels, and pacing vary, and yet, the teacher is still just one person. But with the right strategies and mindset, a combo class can become a thriving, dynamic learning environment.

Below are unique tips for managing a split upper elementary classroom, scenarios of common struggles, and reasons some teachers actually prefer this setup.


Unique Tips for Teaching a Split Classroom

Plan Using Thematic Units

What it means: Use overarching themes (e.g., ecosystems, civil rights, or inventions) that allow both grades to engage in learning at different levels.
Why it helps: It creates cohesion in the classroom while maintaining appropriate rigor for both groups.

Example: A unit on “Exploration” could have 4th graders learning about early North American explorers while 5th graders focus on colonization and its effects.


Color-Coded Materials and Assignments

What it means: Assign each grade level a color. All folders, papers, and charts correspond to that color.
Why it helps: It helps students (and the teacher!) quickly identify materials and stay organized.

 Tip: Post daily objectives on the board using colored sentence strips—blue for 5th grade, green for 4th grade.


Use Rotations to Your Advantage

What it means: While one group works independently or in centers, the other gets direct instruction. Then switch.
Why it helps: It mimics small-group instruction and gives students more individualized attention.

 Try a 25-minute cycle: 25 minutes of direct instruction for one group while the other does independent reading, then rotate.


Empower Peer Mentorship

What it means: Carefully pair older students with younger ones for certain activities like peer editing, reading buddies, or science labs.
Why it helps: It builds leadership in older students and confidence in younger ones, while reinforcing the material for both.

 Warning: This works best with strong modeling and clear expectations.


Build in Flexible Curriculum “Bridges”

What it means: Identify overlapping standards and combine instruction when possible.
Why it helps: Saves time and lets students learn collaboratively.

 Example: If both grades need persuasive writing, teach the structure together, then differentiate the topics and complexity.


Common Struggles in Split Classrooms and How to Handle Them

Scenario 1: “I’m Done!” – Uneven Work Pacing

Problem: One group finishes work faster and becomes a distraction.
Solution: Keep a “Fast Finisher” station with challenge tasks, STEM bins, or journal prompts.


Scenario 2: “Am I Missing Out?” – Grade Level Jealousy

Problem: Students think the other group is having more fun or learning better material.
Solution: Share the rationale for group activities and highlight how both groups get unique, interesting lessons.


Scenario 3: “Too Much Grading!” – Teacher Burnout

Problem: Twice the prep, twice the grading.
Solution: Use rubrics, self-assessment, peer reviews, and digital tools to streamline feedback. Also, assign projects that span multiple subjects to reduce workload.


Scenario 4: “That’s Not Fair!” – Behavior Management Confusion

Problem: Different expectations for older vs. younger students can seem unfair.
Solution: Clearly explain age-appropriate responsibilities and tailor your behavior plan with shared class rules and tiered consequences.


Why Some Teachers Grow to Love Combo Classes

 Stronger Relationships with Students

With a smaller mix of students from each grade, many teachers find they can build deeper individual relationships, especially if they loop with them the next year.


 Increased Student Independence

Split classrooms often require students to be more self-directed. Teachers report a noticeable improvement in independence, responsibility, and initiative across the board.


 Creativity and Flexibility Blossom

Teaching two curriculums pushes educators to innovate. It breaks monotony and inspires creative problem-solving and cross-curricular teaching.


Leadership Opportunities for Older Students

Older students naturally take on leadership roles—academically and socially—which boosts confidence and strengthens community.


5. It Can Be Academically Powerful

Some students thrive in a mixed-level classroom. Younger students rise to the occasion, and older students reinforce their knowledge by modeling and explaining concepts.


Final Thought

Teaching a split-grade classroom isn't easy—but it can be exceptionally rewarding. With thoughtful planning, classroom systems, and a mindset focused on possibility rather than limitation, a combo class can grow into a thriving, connected community of learners.

More: Must-Haves for Elementary Teachers

More: Classroom organization Tips

More: Fun Classroom Ice Breaker 

More: 18 Creative Ways to Motivate Students

More: Easy Lesson Planning 








Should Teachers Buy or Rent a Home?

 


Should Teachers Buy or Rent a Home?

A Practical Guide for Educators

Buying a home is a major milestone—but for teachers, it’s not always clear if it’s the right move. With modest salaries, rising housing costs, and job-related factors to consider, many educators wonder: Should I buy a home, or is renting smarter?

In this post, we’ll break down all the key details—salary, down payments, job security, and more—to help you make an informed decision.


Teacher Salaries: What Can You Afford?

Salaries for teachers vary widely depending on location, experience, and education. In 2024, the average U.S. public school teacher made about $68,000 a year, but many early-career teachers earned $40K–$55K.

Higher salaries in big cities are often offset by higher living costs. This makes budgeting for a home a challenge—but not impossible.


Down Payments: How Much Do You Need?

Most mortgage lenders require a 3%–20% down payment.

  • 3% down on a $300,000 home = $9,000

  • 20% down = $60,000

That’s a huge amount to save on a teacher’s salary. But good news—there are programs specifically for educators:

Teacher Next Door: Grants and down payment help
Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD): Up to 50% off qualifying homes
Local housing programs: Some school districts offer help

 Tip: You'll also need extra savings for closing costs, moving expenses, and emergency funds.


Job Security: Is Teaching a Safe Bet?

Teaching is relatively stable, but not bulletproof:

  • Budget cuts and declining student enrollment can lead to layoffs

  • Not all teachers have tenure or union protection

  • Probationary contracts add extra risk for new teachers

If you’re on solid footing in your district, homeownership may be realistic. If not, waiting or renting may be safer.


Renting vs. Buying: The Financial Math

When deciding between renting and buying, teachers need to consider more than just the monthly payment. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Renting usually offers more flexibility. If you need to change schools, move districts, or aren’t sure where you want to settle long-term, renting makes it easier to pack up and go. It also requires less upfront money—typically just a security deposit and first month’s rent. Plus, your landlord handles repairs and maintenance, which keeps surprise expenses off your plate. However, rent can increase each year, and the money you pay doesn’t build equity or future wealth.

Buying a home, on the other hand, offers long-term stability and the chance to build equity as property values increase. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments stay predictable. Homeownership also gives you the freedom to customize your space. However, it requires a significant upfront investment (down payment, closing costs, inspections), and you’re responsible for all maintenance and repairs. If your job changes unexpectedly or you need to relocate, selling a home can be complicated and costly.

In short:

  • If you expect to stay in your area for at least 5 years, buying could be financially smart.

  • If you're uncertain about your future plans, renting offers more freedom and less risk.


Other Factors to Consider

  • Commute: Can you afford to live close to school?

  • Summer pay gaps: Budget carefully if you’re paid on a 10-month schedule

  • Future goals: Planning a family? Need home office space?

  • Side income: Coaching, tutoring, or summer work can boost affordability


So, Should Teachers Buy a Home?

Here’s a good rule of thumb:

If you're a teacher with stable employment, some savings, and a plan to stay put for a few years, buying a home can be a smart investment.

But if you're early in your career, unsure about your job, or still building savings—renting might be the better move.


Final Thoughts

Teachers deserve safe, comfortable housing. Whether you rent or buy, the goal is the same: to create a place that supports your life, your work, and your future.

With planning, support programs, and a clear budget, homeownership can be within reach—even on a teacher's salary.


Have you bought a home as a teacher? Are you still deciding? Share your experience in the comments!