Every morning, when my students come in, one of the first things on their schedule is Morning Work. They know this means they are going to work in their Morning Binder! Here is how I use a folder or binder for Morning Work for my students in Special Education.
Why Morning Work?
First thing in the morning can be a very hectic time. I have students arriving at different times. Some students eat cafeteria breakfast at school but some have eaten already. Some students have been on the bus a long time and need help toileting first thing. It is possible we are going in many directions.
With a morning work folder or binder, students can complete work independently while others take care of business. This binder targets personal information skills and basic skills and includes many different options to change in and out all year long, including seasonal patterns.
Differentiated & Important Skills
Each one of my students has their own “Morning Binder.” Part of the Hello Binder resource available here includes personal information practice. I have my students practice their identifying information and their personal safety information. In an emergency, students need to know their personal information. The Hello Binder includes academic tasks to prepare your students for the day. Have them start by identifying weather, safety signs, coins, and more.
Part of the Routine or in Your Backup Plans
My students have “Morning Work” on their visual schedules every morning and know it is part of the routine, but it is not only for the morning; it is also great for early finishers, those who arrive early to school, and/or students that need to practice basic personal information. For students who need more support, this resource can also be used in small groups with teacher or para support or in small group centers. Read more about how to do centers in self-contained classrooms.
Setting It Up Is Easy
First download the Morning Work Binder for Special Education and Life Skills + Google Slides™ resource.
For each of my students, I grabbed a 1” 3-ring binder for their Morning Work folder. If you have a spiral binding machine, these work great too. I have seen some teachers with smaller caseloads use one binder and rotate it through students.
Here are some things you will need:
- Your choice of binder/folder
- Printed Hello Binder resource
- Laminating sheets
- Velcro
Print the pages from the resource (cardstock holds up the best!) and then laminate them. Get your favorite pair of scissors and cut the pieces for your students. I like to laminate and then cut so that I don’t have to cut twice. Pro tip: a paper cutter/trimmer tool is amazing for cutting lots of pieces!
Place a velcro strip on the laminated pages of the folder, and velcro dots on the cut pieces. I like to put the hard velcro on the pieces being manipulated so that they may also be used on felt boards or other resources.
Then, get to work! Let your students practice valuable skills while preparing for the day.
Google Slides™ Option
This same resource also comes with a digital option! Use this low-prep option for students who respond well to using technology or are learning from a distance.
The sky is the limit! Pair your Morning Work with other worksheets like some basic skills worksheets or picture sorting activities to really differentiate and practice skills based on what your students need.
