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