As an Inclusion Specialist, I always seek inclusion opportunities for self-contained classrooms. Assemblies are an excellent way to create shared experiences between students from self-contained classrooms and general education peers. However, assemblies can also be stressful for students from self-contained classrooms, as they are often out of the students’ everyday routine. In this blog post, I share five tips to attend assemblies with success. 1. Social Stories Social stories are a ... continue reading...
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Spring Sensory Bins 101
If you're new around here at Simply Special Ed, there is one thing you need to know: we love sensory bins! We also love a good seasonal theme! The below blog is all about the things you need to know about creating spring sensory bins for your students! Spring-Specific Sensory Bins Easter Easter grass is always a fun sensory bin! This one ended up more on the floor than in the bin, but I love to hide things in the plastic Easter eggs for students to get some bilateral fine motor ... continue reading...
Working with ELLs in the Self Contained Classroom
Do you have students who are English Language Learners (ELLs) in your special education class? Working with these students can be a challenge. But, with some easy-to-implement strategies, you can support your ELLs and help them make academic gains! Use Visuals All students benefit from multiple means of representation! Pairing visuals with your verbal or written instruction helps ELLs to engage with the information being presented. I love using the Boardmaker Vocabulary units with ... continue reading...
Supporting Classified Students in Extracurricular Activities
Some of my favorite memories from school are from my extracurricular activities. I was part of almost every club my school had to offer. I learned a lot but I also had a ton of fun! As special education teachers, we want our students to be part of these experiences as well. So why not work with your students and families to get kids involved in extracurriculars? Use Visuals We're special education teachers: of course we use schedules in our classroom! But, giving students personal ... continue reading...
New Teachers
Must-Have Containers for Special Education Teachers
Have you always wanted to be the type A organized special education teacher? Same here! After years of trial and error, I have found some organizational tools to make classroom routines more efficient ... continue reading...
My Steps to a Successful IEP Meeting
Preparation is EVERYTHING! Who doesn’t wish for a successful IEP meeting? Let’s be honest, IEP’s can be quite daunting. We want them to be smooth and positive. Well, I’ve had 12 years of experience ... continue reading...
Free Downloads
Free Apps For Special Education
Benefits of Using Apps in Special Education The use of technology in the classroom helps special education students in many different ways. Using free apps in the special education classroom ... continue reading...
Setting Up Data Sheets for OT Students
Setting up data sheets for all the students on my OT caseload is a big part of my back to school prep each year. I'm all about "working smarter, not harder!". Coming up with a streamlined system for ... continue reading...
In Case You Missed It
10 Language Opportunities in Everyday Routines
Language opportunities are EVERYWHERE! They are hidden in everyday routines and can be taken advantage of easily. Here are 10 ideas of hidden language opportunities in everyday routines! 1. Car ... continue reading...
Three Ways To Manage Different Levels Of Learners
If you teach in a self-contained special education classroom, chances are you teach multiple grades at one time. It can feel overwhelming to think about meeting the needs of each student. Luckily, ... continue reading...