• Home
  • Shop
    • Shop Now
    • Gift Cards
    • Cart
    • Purchase Orders
    • School Licenses
    • My Account
  • Blog
    • Academics
      • Adapted Books
      • Comprehension
      • Cooking
      • Crafts
      • ELA
      • ESY
      • Fine Motor
      • Life Skills
      • Math
      • Occupational Therapy
      • Science
      • Sensory Bins
      • Social Emotional Learning
      • Social Skills
      • Social Studies
      • Speech Therapy
      • Task Boxes
      • Vocabulary
      • Writing
    • At Home Learning
      • Digital
      • Remote Learning
    • Behavior
      • ABA
      • Communication
        • AAC
      • Data
      • Schedules
      • Visuals
    • Simple Classroom
      • Back to School
      • Book Recommendations
      • Classroom Setup
      • Freebies
      • IEP
      • Inclusion
      • Inspiration
      • Organization
      • Paraprofessional
      • Remote Learning
      • Seasonal
        • Fall
        • Winter
        • Spring
        • Summer
    • Tot School
  • Classroom Tours
    • Self-Contained
    • Speech
    • Preschool
    • Elementary Autistic Support
    • K-2
    • K-2 (Socially Distanced)
    • K-4 (Tiny Room)
    • 1-4 (Life Skills)
    • 2-3 (ABA)
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • High School (Life Skills)
    • Multiple Disabilities
  • New Teachers
    • Join My Online Course
    • First Year
    • Interviews
    • Job Search
  • Grade Level
    • Preschool
    • Primary
    • Elementary
    • Middle School
    • High School
  • Simple Self-Contained Setup 101®
    • Join Now!
    • Success Stories
    • Log In
  • Free Resources
    • Log In
  • More…
    • Meet Alyssa
    • Meet Our Bloggers
    • Collaborate
    • Guest Blogging
    • Contact Me
    • Disclosures
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Simply Special Ed

Resource Downloads & Teaching Advice

 

 

Latest

Using the Life Skills Workbook Bundle

As a school-based occupational therapist (OT), my role goes far beyond addressing fine motor skills and sensory processing within the pull-out special education student context. Although this is what might first come to mind, OTs are important members of the team when fostering independence and functional life skills among students with a variety needs. That is why I was so excited to hear about Simply Special Ed's newest resource the Life Skills Workbook Bundle! It aligns so well with what my ... continue reading...

Pros and Cons: District Employee vs. Contracted Therapist

If you are looking into school-based occupational therapy (OT) jobs, WELCOME! As a pediatric therapist, I can firmly say that I love working in the schools! However, I also recognize that there is a lot to think about when you are applying for positions. As an overview, there are two main employment routes for therapists: working directly for a school district (as a district employee sometimes under the teacher contract) vs. working as a contracted therapist (through an agency, intermediate ... continue reading...

What is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)?

If you're a special education teacher, you've probably heard the phrase Least Restrictive Environment—or LRE—countless times. But what does it really mean in practice? And how can we make sure we're honoring it while still supporting every student's individual needs? Let’s break it down together. LRE: What It Actually Means The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is a key component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In simple terms, it means that students with ... continue reading...

Types and names of Special Education Classrooms

There are many different types of special education classrooms, and it can be confusing to keep them all straight. Read on to learn about the different types and names of special education classrooms! Overview of Least to Most Restrictive Environment The chart above is a great representation of all the different types of special education classrooms. The goal is to always have the student in the least restrictive environment for that individual child where they can be the most successful ... continue reading...

New Teachers

How to Decide What to Include in Centers

Centers provide structured, engaging learning environments that can be tailored to diverse student needs. When thoughtfully designed, these areas promote independence, skill development, and joy in ... continue reading...

Image showing five children doing a side-body stretch

YouTube Movement Breaks for ECSE and Elementary

Movement breaks are essential tools for classroom management, as they offer opportunities for students to release energy, refocus attention, and enhance learning outcomes within the classroom. YouTube ... continue reading...

Free Downloads

Ten Ways to Show Para Appreciation All Year Long

Paraprofessionals are vital to making special education classrooms run smoothly! The amazing paras I know are some of the hardest working staff members with the biggest hearts. As teachers, we can ... continue reading...

How I Use The SSE Morning Meeting Calendar Resources in OT Sessions

As an occupational therapist (OT) working in a school setting, I focus on student access to their learning environments. I look at their strengths/needs and compare them to what is required of the ... continue reading...

In Case You Missed It

How to Decide What to Include in Centers

Special education classrooms thrive with centers! However, knowing what types of work to include at each rotation can seem like a daunting task. Looking for some center work ideas? Read on to see what ... continue reading...

20 Vocational Jobs to Add to Your Special Education Classroom

Looking to add some vocational skills practice to your high school or transition level classroom? Because students have different interests and different strengths, we practice a wide variety of jobs ... continue reading...

Hi amazing teachers!
I'm Alyssa Shanahan -- a former Elementary Special Ed & Life Skills teacher. My classroom focus was always to keep things simple, increase communication, and build independence. Simply Special Ed's goal is to help teachers and students reach their full potential in and out of the classroom!

Sign up to receive exclusive tips,
free resources, and more!

Recent Posts

10 Setup Tips for High School Special Education

10 Things to Do Now to Make August Easier

Supporting Fine Motor Growth as an OT Through Grants

20 No-Stress Lessons for ESY This Summer

Things to consider changing for a new school year

Top 10 Task Boxes That Work in Any Special Ed Center

Copyright © Simply Special Ed 2025 · Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2025 · Simply Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok