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Simply Special Ed

Resource Downloads & Teaching Advice

Search Results for: simple comprehension

Academics Blog Classroom Setup Simple Classroom Task Boxes

How to Organize a Task Box System

Organizing a Task Box System can be overwhelming at first, but having this system in place will save you so much time! What is a Task Box System? A Task Box System is a type of structured work system where students match a piece on their schedule to a bin, complete the work in the bin, and continue their schedule. This system promotes student independence. What do you need to get started? + Clear Plastic Shoe Bins (amazon affiliate link) + Shelf + Visuals for bins + ... continue reading...


Blog Inclusion Inspiration Simple Classroom

How to Amplify and Celebrate Autistic Voices

April is Autism Acceptance month and we LOVE sharing resources to celebrate and amplify Autistic voices this month and every month. Here are some resources and tips to celebrate: Join me in amplifying Autistic voices this month! If you have any Autistic adult accounts or businesses that you would like to share please reply to this email so I can follow them and share them on social media. Clickable links to each ... continue reading...


Academics Blog ESY Simple Classroom Summer

Creating an ESY Schedule

ESY, or Extended School Year, is right around the corner and it is time to start creating a schedule! I know it seems a bit early to be thinking about creating an ESY schedule. Trust me, I think so too! However, here at Simply Special Ed, we have made it SIMPLE for you to do! Let's get started! Drafting an ESY Schedule Before I get into the nitty-gritty of preparing materials, I create a draft schedule for ESY. My district conducts ESY two days a week from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. I use this ... continue reading...


Blog Book Recommendations Seasonal Simple Classroom Winter

5 Activities for The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever

The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever is a great story about a mouse family solving problems together. You can grab the book here. (affiliate link) WHY BOOK COMPANIONS? Book companions are a fun and engaging way to get students interacting with a read aloud picture book! When I was teaching I had a lot of difficulty finding leveled book companions that would meet the needs of students in my self-contained classroom, so I made my own. Here’s a look inside The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever ... continue reading...


Blog Book Recommendations Seasonal Simple Classroom Winter

Activities for Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa

Li'l Rabbit's Kwanzaa is about the true meaning of Kwanzaa, coming together with others. Grab this book here. (affiliate link). WHY BOOK COMPANIONS? Book companions are a fun and engaging way to get students interacting with a read aloud picture book! When I was teaching I had a lot of difficulty finding leveled book companions that would meet the needs of students in my self-contained classroom, so I made my own. Here’s a look inside the Li'l Rabbit's Kwanzaa Book ... continue reading...


Blog Book Recommendations Seasonal Simple Classroom Winter

The Best Books for Christmas

Book companions are a fun and engaging way to get students interacting with a read aloud Christmas book! They are perfect for holidays and seasons (like Christmas!) to incorporate something fun with real skills! When I was teaching I had a lot of difficulty finding leveled book companions that would meet the needs of students in my self-contained classroom, so I made my own. The visual craft activities included in this bundle. Here’s a look inside the best book companions for special ... continue reading...


Academics Blog Book Recommendations Comprehension Fall Seasonal Simple Classroom

The Best Books for Thanksgiving

Book companions are a fun and engaging way to get students interacting with a read aloud picture book! They are perfect for holidays and seasons (like fall!) to incorporate something fun with real skills! When I was teaching I had a lot of difficulty finding leveled book companions that would meet the needs of students in my self-contained classroom, so I made my own. The visual craft activities included in this bundle. Here’s a look inside the best book companions for special education ... continue reading...


Academics Blog Comprehension Fall Seasonal Simple Classroom

5 Resources for Halloween in Special Education

Halloween is my favorite seasons for adapted classroom activities. In my special education classroom we use themed items to keep students engaged all year long. Read on to learn about my favorite adapted Halloween Activities for special education. October Visual Recipes Everyone loves a seasonal treat! 4 visual recipes for cooking in your special education classroom. Each recipe is easy to use, includes symbol supports, and worksheet assessments. The best part? NO OVEN OR STOVE ... continue reading...


Blog Book Recommendations Fall Seasonal Simple Classroom

There was an Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything

Let’s take a look at some activities included in The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything Book Companion that are great to pair with this read aloud.  The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams is a wonderful interactive book for groups of kids of all types. My own kids love this book, guessing what's next, and repeating the lines. You can grab the book on Amazon here. (affiliate link) . What is a Book Companion? Book companions are a set of ... continue reading...


Academics Blog Book Recommendations Comprehension Fall Seasonal Simple Classroom

The Best Books for your Pumpkin Unit

Book companions are a fun and engaging way to get students interacting with a read aloud picture book! They are perfect for holidays and seasons (like fall!) to incorporate something fun with real skills! When I was teaching I had a lot of difficulty finding leveled book companions that would meet the needs of students in my self-contained classroom, so I made my own. Here’s a look inside the best book companions for special education classrooms (Pumpkin themed) ((This ... continue reading...


Blog Book Recommendations Fall Seasonal Simple Classroom

The Best Books for Your Apple Unit

Fall is here and so is apple season! Book companions are a fun and engaging way to get students interacting with a read aloud picture book! When I was teaching I had a lot of difficulty finding leveled book companions that would meet the needs of students in my self-contained classroom, so I made my own. Here’s a look inside the best book companions for special education classrooms (apple themed) ((This blog post contains affiliate links for your convenience. You don’t pay any more by ... continue reading...


Blog Book Recommendations Simple Classroom

The Best Activities for Enemy Pie

Let’s take a look at some activities included in the Enemy Pie Book Companion that are great to pair with this read aloud.  Enemy Pie is the perfect book for fall that has the best lessons on making new friends and dealing with conflict. STORYMAP The Story map is used to find key elements of the story. I love doing this in the whole group setting on the board as a group. The visuals make this a differentiated activity! After completing the story map as a whole group, you can ... continue reading...


Back to School Blog Book Recommendations Fall Seasonal Simple Classroom

The Best Book Companions for Back to School

Book companions are a fun and engaging way to get students interacting with a read aloud picture book! When I was teaching I had a lot of difficulty finding leveled book companions that would meet the needs of students in my self-contained classroom, so I made my own. Here’s a look inside the best book companions for special education classrooms (Back to school themed). ((This blog post contains affiliate links for your convenience. You don’t pay any more by clicking my link (and I actually ... continue reading...


Blog Book Recommendations Fall Seasonal Simple Classroom

The Best Book Activities for Fall

Book companions are a fun and engaging way to get students interacting with a read aloud picture book! When I was teaching I had a lot of difficulty finding leveled book companions that would meet the needs of students in my self-contained classroom, so I made my own. Here’s a look inside the best book companions for special education classrooms (fall/ autumn themed!) ((This blog post contains affiliate links for your convenience. You don’t pay any more by clicking my link (and I ... continue reading...


Back to School Blog First Year New Teachers

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...


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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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