February can be such a festive month in the classroom! There are so many holidays and themes to incorporate into your lessons during February. Read on to see how I add some fun to my lesson plans throughout the month! February ELA Ideas Comprehension work is always one of my regular reading center rotations. The February Picture Comprehension set is perfect for this month! Using monthly themed stories means that the routine becomes predictable for my students, while also keeping things ... continue reading...
Latest
Hiring Season Is Here: How to Stand Out as a Self-Contained Teacher Candidate
It's interview season... that time of year when teaching jobs are starting to post! Maybe you are a recent or soon-to-be grad looking for your first job. Or, perhaps you are a seasoned teacher looking to change schools. In any case, applying for jobs and interviewing can feel like a full time job in and of itself! Take some of the stress out of the hiring process and make yourself stand out from the crowd with these tips! Preparing for Your Interview You've applied for a job and you have ... continue reading...
Why My Classroom Floorplan Works
Your classroom floor plan, believe it or not, can actually drastically help or hinder your classroom. I teach in a K-5 Autism classroom, where my students all have some level of challenging behaviors. My students also require high structure and routine. My classroom floor plan is set up to provide a highly structured environment that also helps in reducing challenging behaviors. Let's dive in! Follow along if you are interested in why my classroom floor plan works for my students and staff. ... continue reading...
Man Down Schedules
We all know we dread having staff out in a special education classroom. So many logistics have to go into covering our students when we are short staffed. It's important to teach as much independence, structure, and routines as possible so that our students aren't always relying on the adults in the classroom. That is the goal, right? Here are some tips on how to run your classroom when you are down paraprofessionals or staff. Use Visuals for Morning Work Students come into the classroom ... continue reading...
New Teachers
Steps to Prepare for an IEP Meeting
IEP meetings can be intimidating. There is so much that needs to be prepared ahead of time. You need data, areas of strengths and weaknesses, goals, etc. You also have to have it all completed a few ... continue reading...
Three Ways I Use Technology During Morning Meeting
Morning Meeting is my favorite part of the school day. It is a time to connect and set the tone for the day. Over the years, I have come to realize that morning meetings become more meaningful when ... 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 Increase Independence in January
January is the time of year associated with fresh starts and new habits. Many of us teachers take some time during the month of January to evaluate what has worked well during the first half of the ... continue reading...
Valentine’s Day Activities for Special Education
Valentine's Day is my FAVORITE holiday! I love the cute heart-shaped decorations, fun candy and treats, and the fact that it is all about bringing joy to others. Not to mention, we all need a little ... continue reading...