Soft Starts: A Gentle, Child-Led Way to Ease into the Preschool Day
Mornings at nature preschool can be full of big, boisterous energy—kids running through the trees, climbing logs, and diving straight into active, social play. And while this is exactly how some children love to start their day, others need a little more time to ease in.
That’s where soft starts come in.
Soft starts are an invitation to slow down, engage in quiet, focused play, and transition into the preschool day at a pace that feels comfortable. They’re simple, low-prep, and use materials already in your space. Most importantly, they offer children the choice of how they want to begin their day—without the expectation of immediate high-energy engagement.
What Are Soft Starts?
Soft starts are an optional offering for children as they arrive at preschool. Instead of jumping right into gross motor or group play, soft starts provide an opportunity for quieter, more intentional activities that support children who:
Aren’t emotionally or mentally ready for active play first thing in the morning
Feel overwhelmed by loud or high-energy social interactions
Thrive with hands-on, focused activities to transition into the day
Soft starts are not structured activities or table work. They’re open-ended, child-led, and designed to be a simple, calming way to start the day on their terms.
Why Soft Starts Matter
Not every child walks into preschool ready to run, jump, and play with a big group of friends.
While some children thrive on immediate high-energy interaction, others need time to observe their surroundings, process the transition from home to school, and ease into the social dynamics of the day. These children may feel overwhelmed by the noise and movement around them, needing a moment of quiet focus before they’re ready to join in.
By providing a soft start, we allow them the space to self-regulate, engage at their own pace, and build confidence in their environment. This gentle transition can reduce stress, prevent morning meltdowns, and create a sense of security, ensuring that each child starts their day feeling grounded and in control.
By offering soft starts, we:
Support emotional regulation – Giving children a moment to center before diving into group play
Reduce stress and meltdowns – A slower, gentler transition can ease morning anxiety
Encourage creativity and focus – Many soft start activities help fine motor skills and problem-solving
Foster independence – Children choose how to begin their day, reinforcing confidence
In short? Soft starts set children up for success—helping them feel grounded, confident, and ready to take on the day ahead.
Simple, Low-Prep Soft Start Ideas
The best part about soft starts?
They shouldn’t require extra prep or complicated setups.
Instead of adding more to an already busy morning, they should feel effortless and natural, using materials that are already available in your space.
Think of it as a way to reimagine and repurpose what you have, rather than creating something entirely new. A simple combination of two or three elements from nature, art, and loose parts is all it takes to spark curiosity and engagement.
The beauty of this approach is that it remains flexible and adaptable—one day, children might be drawn to arranging mosaic tiles in patterns, while the next, they might prefer sorting leaves or experimenting with water and bark pieces.
The key is to keep the setup intuitive, open-ended, and inviting, allowing children to interpret and interact with the materials in their own unique way. By embracing the simplicity of soft starts, educators can support children’s needs without adding extra stress to their own routines, making the transition into the school day smoother for everyone.
Easy Soft Start Setups
Scrap cardboard + glue + paintbrushes – A low-pressure way to build, design, and create
Mosaic tiles + wooden frames – Encourages pattern-making and fine motor engagement
Marbles + blocks – Balancing, rolling, and experimenting with motion
Water + bark pieces – Simple sensory play that invites storytelling and curiosity
Magnifying glasses + seasonal nature items – Observing fall leaves, flowers, snow, or ice up close
Friend guides + paper + crayons – Drawing and storytelling as a gentle social connection tool
Magazines + scissors – Creating collages, which encourages creativity and fine motor skills
Puzzles – A perfect quiet, independent or cooperative activity
Toy cars + sticks – Making “bumpers” or roads with natural materials
The key is to keep it simple—no elaborate set-ups or structured expectations. The goal is to offer, not require, giving children a chance to choose what works best for them.
An Invitation, Not an Expectation
Soft starts aren’t a requirement or a scheduled activity. They’re a choice. Some children will gravitate toward them every morning, while others will prefer to jump straight into gross motor play.
And that’s okay!
What soft starts do is provide an inclusive, flexible approach that acknowledges the different ways children transition into their day.
So tomorrow morning, take a look around your space.
Gather a couple of simple elements, set them up, and see what happens.
You might just find that the quietest moments of the day are where the biggest discoveries begin.
So many educators and parents have told me that simply having someone to talk things through with—someone who gets it and has been there—makes all the difference.
And I’d love to be that person for you.