If you’re new here, I work in an Elementary Resource Room with students with various classifications. Here is an idea of what we do in the Resource Room. Working in an elementary resource room means you see a wide range of behaviors every day. While some behaviors are short-lived and can be developmentally appropriate depending on the age, others can be a bit more challenging. These behaviors can occur frequently enough that they begin to interfere with a student’s learning, peer relationships, ... continue reading...
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10 Transition Tips for Special Education Classrooms
Transitions throughout the school day can be difficult for students with special needs. Read on to learn some tips for facilitating smooth transitions in the classroom. Students love to choose different themed timers on Youtube! 1. Use timers In my opinion, timers are a necessity in a Special Education classroom. Visual timers can be a great tool for helping students understand time management. Personally, I like to put timers up on the SmartBoard for all students to see. You can ... continue reading...
How to create a calm corner that actually get used
Creating a calm corner can be beneficial for all students, especially those in a self-contained setting. It can be used to help students regulate and process their emotions. The calm corner can also allow them to take a break to maintain their safety in the classroom. It can be a preventative or reactive tool, depending on how it is used. Read on to learn some tips for creating a calm corner that your students actually want to use! Create a designated space in your room When you ... continue reading...
Setting Up Centers for Your High School Classroom
Centers? In high school? Yes, please! Structure: Knowing What to Expect Why even use centers in the first place? Centers create a predictable routine for students, which students in self-contained settings thrive on. This is researched and proven! Centers assist students with transitioning and following a schedule, and you have a dedicated time during the day to work on certain skills. Centers also allow a decrease in some of your precious planning time! I know that planning periods ... continue reading...
New Teachers
A Course that Changed the Way I Setup my Classroom
It's nearing that time again to start thinking about our classroom setups for next year. There are lots of moving pieces when setting up a self-contained classroom. It is not just the floorplan ... continue reading...
If I could start over: what I’d do differently in my first self-contained classroom
It's hard to believe that this is my tenth year of teaching. I am a very different teacher than the one I was when I started in 2016! Read on to learn some things I would do differently in my first ... continue reading...
Free Downloads
5 Fun and Easy Centers to Launch in the First Week of School
The first week of school is all about creating routines and expectations for students. This helps set you up for a successful school year! At the same time, we want to get to know our students, both ... continue reading...
5 Visual Tools You Need for Your Self-Contained Classroom
Visual tools are crucial for success in self-contained classrooms! So many of our students struggle with verbal-only directions. Pairing oral instructions with visual supports such as pictures, ... continue reading...
In Case You Missed It
Visual Tools for Self-Contained High School
In my high school Special Education self-contained class, we don't just love visuals - we thrive on visuals! There are so many great options for you to incorporate in your self-contained high school ... continue reading...
How to Set Up Your Classroom Before the Students Arrive
The best way to set yourself up for success for the new school year is to get your classroom space ready to go! Having an organized, prepared classroom helps you feel confident going into the first ... continue reading...