There are so many ways to use adapted books in the classroom, and these color books are no different. Read on to learn some strategies for using adapted books in a variety of settings. But first... WHY do I use real pictures? Over the past year I have been using real pictures in many of my resources. Why? Because real pictures are age appropriate. Creating resources that are age appropriate means that everyone at any age can use these resources with respect for dignity. This means I'm ... continue reading...
Search Results for: morning meeting
5 Books for Fall
I’ve been gearing up to share some awesome book lists with you as part of my new book series! I LOVED using picture books in the classroom, and now that I’m home with Quinn… I love finding new titles to share with you! Everything I share with you on the blog I buy first. I am never recommending items I haven’t bought myself, reviewed, and used frequently- including books! Because of that- This post will contain affiliate links. You don’t pay any more, but if you purchase from my link I ... continue reading...
6 Resources You NEED for Back to School
Classroom setup can be DAUNTING. But if you know me well, you know I like to keep it simple. (You can see my former classroom setup blog post here with lots of pictures) I truly believe that making your classroom student centered, whether you are a veteran or a new teacher... will change the way you see back to school! Instead of cute posters and themes... focus on the 6 things you really need to have in place for Back to School season. Visual Schedules Visual Schedules In most self ... continue reading...
The First 10 Days of School
If you are anything like me, the first 10 days are a struggle. You have so many new ideas for the new year, so many things you want to implement, and you feel pressure to start on the very first day. Here's my number one tip: DON'T. Just don't. In special education, and more specifically the self contained setting, what our kids really need is STRUCTURE. Of course you have tons of structure planned and you want to follow the schedule from the start in order to best show them what daily ... continue reading...
Simple Tips for Special Ed Scheduling
Scheduling for special education is a DAUNTING task. Just like our kids we THRIVE on schedules (( and pretty much need them to survive)). One tip that I'm going to drive home throughout this post is that we HAVE TO be ok with CHANGE. Why? Because change is completely inevitable. It WILL happen. and it will happen again... and again... and again.... Grab the worksheets for schedule planning here. WHERE TO START? Yup, the hardest part. You have SO MUCH you want to do... but where do you even ... continue reading...
Making a Choice about Schedules
When I talk to teachers about schedules. There is one BIG thing that stands out the most to me. How do I know what is best for my kids? Ultimately, the answer is simple + complicated at the same exact time. YOU know your kids best. Not me, not any blogger or autism expert. You know what your kids need. The best I can do is show you a bunch of options- and guide you through the process. WALL SCHEDULES For children who: + are just beginning school + need a high level of ... continue reading...
Favorite SIMPLE Apps for Special Education
I am so excited to share some of my favorite apps with you today! There are tons of app lists out there, but these are apps I have been using WITH SUCCESS, all year this year. Tested, tried, and true! ALL OF THESE APPS ARE SIMPLE TO USE. There is no fluff, no crazy backgrounds, no out of control images that are just too much for our kiddos. They may not all be free, but they are extremely valuable and have made life in the classroom a lot easier this year! Time Timer, $2.99: I LOVE ... continue reading...
Simply Special Classroom Tour
Welcome to my Life Skills classroom! I am so excited to share with you my classroom tour! When you step foot in my classroom, our bins are on the left. Students know to put their lunchbox, water, and any notes in these bins each morning as part of their morning routine checklist. The first area is of course our SCHEDULES. These are so important to student success throughout the day. I use left to right schedule (you can read more about how to set these up here) in my classroom. Some kids ... continue reading...
Simple Ways to Introduce Math!
I'm going to be honest here, Math was always my least favorite subject. I struggled with Math. I never could get the concepts quick enough before they moved onto the next. But teaching basic math, now that is something I have gotten get the hang of.... I LOVE teaching these skills! Take a look at how I introduce new basic skills using adapted books, and get a sneak peek into my newest book set! There are SO MANY topics to cover, but throughout the year for my younger learners, I like ... continue reading...
Building Vocabulary in Students with Autism
How do you teach monthly sight words and vocabulary? All of my students are functioning at anywhere from 9 months to 7 years old cognitively. ALL of my students can learn these monthly thematic vocabulary words in some capacity! Each unit contains file folders- matching picture to picture & matching word to picture (As seen below). Each unit also contains word wall cards and flashcards (word and picture and picture only). Each morning during morning meeting we say and ... continue reading...
Favorite Product Spotlight: Sand Timers
I have decided that from time to time I will highlight some of my favorite classroom products on my blog! Today I will post a LIFESAVING product that I couldn't live without. I have my hands on these babies more than anything else throughout the school day. Not only are these visually appealing to students, they get my kids to WORK. Each color is a different alotted time ranging from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. HOW I USE THEM: - timers for rewards - timers for countdowns, "minutes left till ... continue reading...
Weighted Blankets DIY
Happy Weekend! Today I wanted to feature one of my favorite homemade classroom supplies. A sensory blanket! Before school started I had been on the search for a quality weighted blanket for a new student who has difficulty sitting at morning meeting. I thought a weighted blanket would help stabilize her and give her the sensory output she needed (and IT WORKED)! I couldn't find a great product for a great price so I started researching how to make my own. My Nana ( master seamstress) and I ... continue reading...
Elementary Resource Room Classroom: A day in the life
Welcome!! If you’ve ever wondered what a day in a resource room looks like, let me give you a little tour of how our schedule flows. My classroom is set up as a space where students come and go throughout the day for individualized support. Each child’s schedule looks a little different because their services are based on their IEP goals, but the meat and potatoes of our day is all about meeting students where they are. This looks different in each school and classroom you enter. It’s a bit ... continue reading...
First Week in Self-Contained Elementary
Starting your first week in a self-contained elementary classroom can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming. It is the beginning of an incredible journey with your students. Here's how those pivotal first five days might look to set the stage for a successful school year. Day 1: Setting the Foundation Your first week begins with the most crucial day of all. Focus on creating a welcoming environment and establishing your classroom community. Start with a calm morning routine: greeting ... continue reading...
Preschool Special Education Sample Schedule
Creating an effective daily schedule for preschool special education programs requires careful consideration of individual student needs, therapeutic goals, and developmental milestones. A well-structured schedule provides predictability while allowing flexibility for personalized learning experiences, ensuring that every moment of the day serves a purpose in each child's educational journey. In this blog post, I share a sample schedule for a special education half-day preschool program and key ... continue reading...
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