Back to school is an exciting but chaotic time for teachers, students, and families. All the changes can trigger behavior challenges in all students, especially those in a self-contained setting. Read on to learn some strategies to reduce those behaviors by having a predictable routine for different times throughout the day. Arrival and morning routines Students should know what is expected of them from the moment they walk in your classroom door. While this takes time, it is important ... continue reading...
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Reducing Back-to-School Behavior Challenges With Predictable Routines
Predictable routines and consistent schedules are more important than you might think! Routines are intended to assist students with expectations, reduce behaviors, and keep disruptions to a minimum. Maybe your students have had a long break, or maybe they just finished up ESY and are returning for the new school year. No matter how long they've been out of the classroom, the beginning of a new school year can bring a bit of anxiety for our students, who can benefit from a refresh of ... continue reading...
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 as individuals and as learners. What is the best way to accomplish all this? By setting up centers in the first week of school! Keep reading to learn about some quick and easy activities you can implement right away! Setting Routines in the Classroom At the beginning of the school year is is ... continue reading...
How to Make ESY Planning Simple
Teaching ESY can be such a fun experience for teachers! However, schedules, rosters, and expectations can be a lot different in the summer than during the school year. That makes planning for the extended school year seem like a bit of a challenge. But planning for ESY can be simple! Read on to learn some ways that you can plan ahead to have your best summer session ever! What is ESY? ESY is the abbreviation for Extended School Year. Extending the school year means that we are providing ... continue reading...
New to Teaching ESY? Read This First!
Teaching ESY is one of my favorite parts of the school year! As teachers, we get the special privilege of making our students' summers both educational AND fun. If you are new to teaching during this fun part of the year, don't worry! I have years of tips and tricks to share with you. Keep reading to get ready for the Extended School Year! What is ESY? ESY is the abbreviation for Extended School Year. Extending the school year means that we are providing services to students beyond the ... continue reading...
K-5 Autism Classroom Tour
Come on in, and take a look around Mrs. B's K-5 ASD classroom tour! I teach a self-contained elementary (K-5) class for students on the Autism Spectrum who exhibit deficits in communication, behavior, and academics. Classroom setup can be stressful, time-consuming, and overwhelming! Make a plan, get some example ideas, and read all about how I set up my K-5 ASD self-contained classroom! A few things you will notice throughout my classroom are the physical separation of areas, the color coding of ... continue reading...
My 2nd Grade Self-Contained Classroom Schedule
Creating a schedule for a self-contained classroom for both your students and your paraprofessionals can seem extremely overwhelming. However, once you get in the groove and have all the subjects covered, it becomes easier and easier each year! Below is an overview of my 2nd grade self-contained classroom schedule. The gray parts of my schedule are plan time, collaboration time, and my lunch. I will continue to break down the specific parts for you! Arrival Routine/Personal Info ... continue reading...
K-5 Self Contained Classroom Schedule
Let's take a walk through our day in a K-5 self-contained classroom! Our day has a lot of moving parts, and it is very structured. We also utilize a large whole-group visual schedule in the class as well as smaller individual visual schedules, so the students know when they are doing what activity. I also have many brain breaks embedded throughout the day, so that is why you do not see any on the schedule. 7:30-8:20 Students start arriving at 7:30! Once they arrive, they can eat breakfast ... continue reading...
Classroom Schedule for Elementary Self-Contained
Welcome to my elementary self-contained classroom! Take a look at a typical day in our life with this schedule tour. Good Morning! As my students arrive for the day, they follow a simple morning routine that includes unpacking their backpacks and putting belongings away. All of my students arrive at slightly different times in the morning. So, while we are waiting I facilitate activities like board games and STEM-bins. It's a nice, slow start to our day, and I love being able to spend ... continue reading...
First Week in Self-Contained
The first week of school can be many things- exciting, overwhelming, and a whirlwind. This is especially true in a self-contained setting. Read on to find out some simple and effective activities and strategies to use for the first week of school. Learn students' interests It may sound obvious, but the first week is a great time to start getting to know your students. Of course, it will take longer than a week to build those relationships! Before jumping into the curriculum, time should ... continue reading...
A Day in the Life of a Self-Contained Teacher
Welcome to my self-contained classroom! I teach students with multiple disabilities in grades 3-5 at a public intermediate school. Take a look at how a typical day in my self-contained room looks! Starting the Day I arrive at work about 15 minutes before my students arrive. I am not a morning person so I like to take my time at home! After setting up my computer and checking email, I ensure that all the materials I need are ready to go. And, I usually find some time to chat with my ... continue reading...
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 provides a wealth of free resources that make incorporating physical activity into your school day simple and effective. In this blog post, I share my favorite YouTube movement breaks and outline how to implement them effectively in your classroom. Benefits of Movement Breaks Research shows ... continue reading...
How to Use an AAC Device in Group Lessons
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices are tools that help students express themselves! These devices allow students to communicate their needs, wants, and thoughts. Incorporating these devices into your group lessons allows students to participate more fully in school. Read on for ways to encourage AAC use in the classroom! What is an AAC Device? AAC is any type of tool that helps individuals with speech and language difficulties to communicate. An AAC can be low-tech, ... continue reading...
10 Interventions to Make Daily Tasks Easier in Your Special Ed Classroom
The daily tasks in a special education classroom can be overwhelming! Occupational therapists (OTs) might have some tips to help! OTs are all about independence! The most your students can be independent in their daily routines, the easier your day will be as the teacher or classroom staff. Plus, the students will be gaining valuable skills that will take them far beyond your class. Incorporate More Visuals for Daily Tasks My #1 tip for increasing independence for your students to make ... continue reading...
Classroom Layout Tips for Elementary Self-Contained Classrooms
Setting up a self-contained classroom can feel overwhelming, but the right layout can make all the difference! In a self-contained setting, structure, routine, and organization are key to helping students succeed. A well-organized classroom promotes independence, minimizes behaviors, and supports smooth transitions throughout the day. Here are some classroom layout tips to help you create a space that works for you, your students, and your staff! 1. Define Clear Learning Zones In a ... continue reading...
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