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Simply Special Ed

Resource Downloads & Teaching Advice

 

 

Latest

Building Blocks for Success in Pre-Writing

Step 2: Build Strength with Fine Motor Skills! This is Part 2 of our pre-writing series: "Building Blocks for Success". If you missed the first blog on Thinking Big with Gross Motor Skills, check that out before reading on! After children develop the needed strength and stability in their large muscle groups, we can start to refine those movements. "Step 1" focused on gross motor activities involving:  Body awareness & motor planningCrossing midlineCore strength & shoulder ... continue reading...

3 Ways to Build Rapport with Students

Are you a brand new teacher? Do you need help building rapport with students as a new teacher? What exactly does it mean to "build rapport?" Basically in simple terms, it means getting to know someone on a better level. This might be understanding things they like and dislike. In addition, it means to grow your bond with someone when you have good rapport and even empathize with them. Check out 3 ways to build rapport with students as a new teacher: 1. Learn about Students BEFORE the ... continue reading...

10 Books for Targeting WH- Questions

This is a list of books that can be used to target WH- questions with elementary school-aged children. I am an SLP in the school based setting and love using these books for WH practice! 1. Mañana Iguana This book puts a Mexican twist on the classic story The Little Red Hen. Iguana is planning a fiesta with her friends, but it turns out her friends have a lot of excuses when it comes to doing the work for the party. This book teaches a good lesson that you have to work hard, if you want ... continue reading...

How To: Communication on the Go

Getting Started Get started by downloading Communication on the Go Bundle by Simply Special Ed at the Simply Special Ed Shop or on Teachers Pay Teachers. Once you've downloaded the file, print and laminate the material. The bundles are diverse. They can be used as is or, use the powerpoint version to edit them. Use a keyring to take them with you, or tape them to convenient surfaces throughout the classroom or home. This bundle is designed to be used in whatever way works best for you. On ... continue reading...

New Teachers

3 Things to Include in Morning Meeting

Morning Meeting is my favorite time of day. It is a routine activity that will set up your structure for the school day. Let's go over 3 things to include in morning meeting. Calendar ... continue reading...

5 Things to Know About Simple Self-Contained Setup 101®

You've probably heard about my online professional development course for teachers, Simple Self-Contained Setup 101®. If you haven't heard of it just yet, Simple Self-Contained Setup 101® is the ... continue reading...

Free Downloads

Back to School Checklist for SLPs

Summer break is over and it's time to get back to work! Sometimes it is hard to get back into the swing of things. Here is a checklist to help make life easier! Caseload First obtain your ... continue reading...

What is a 3 Drawer Workbox System?

I'm answering all of your FAQs on the 3 Drawer Workbox System in this blog post! Read on to find out all the details of how to set up this system, who it works best for, what the goal is, and why you ... continue reading...

In Case You Missed It

a new OT student sitting with the OT at a table working on fine motor skills

3 Things to do when Getting a New OT Student

As a special educator, you are likely to get a new OT student some day! As a school-based occupational therapist (OT), I have a large and diverse caseload. Do your students have a variety of related ... continue reading...

classroom schedules

Classroom Schedule Tour

Visual schedules are crucial for student success in special education. We all thrive on schedules. If you're struggling to create and use schedules with your students, let me help! I'm going to give ... 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!

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