Self-contained classroom schedules can be all over the place, so that is why you need to use a zoning plan. Our day in a self-contained classroom has a ton of moving parts with schedules for all of our kids. Between inclusion time, related services, lunch and recess periods, special area, and everything else in between it can feel impossible to ever have a working schedule. Using a zoning plan will help alleviate that headache. What is a zoning plan, Whitney? It is simply a map of your classroom ... continue reading...
Search Results for: task box
Pre-writing Skills: Where to Start
Pre- Writing Skills: Where to Start Pre-writing skills appear very textbook. We have all seen the charts on the timeframe when children should be making what type of stroke pattern. We use this as our guide. I think what we often forget is those developmental milestones, just as academic skills, aren’t linear. Children meet them at different points when they are ready. As educators, practitioners, and parents we can help guide children. Our job is to give them the tools they need to ... continue reading...
Preference Assessments and Reinforcement Schedules
WOW! When I posted in the Simply Special Ed Facebook Group (join here!) asking what you all wanted to know about reinforcement, preference assessments, and reinforcement schedules, you all SHOWED UP! I got tons of questions and comments about why and how to use reinforcement most effectively in your classroom. So many in fact, that Alyssa and I decided to turn this into a series of posts. This way, you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for when it comes to reinforcement. In ... continue reading...
5 IEP Goals for Kindergarten
Let's talk about IEP goals for kindergarten! Writing IEP goals is one of the most difficult parts of writing IEPs for students of all ages. In my opinion, kindergarten is such an important year for our students in special education. Kindergarten is the year that sets the foundation for a student's success in school. In my self-contained autism classroom, I typically give my students 5 essential goals for success in kindergarten and beyond. All of the goals I write are SMART IEP ... continue reading...
Using Behavioral Momentum to Tackle Problem Behavior
Let's chat about how to tackle behavioral momentum. We're in that time of year where behaviors may be increasing or getting more challenging. The excitement of a new school year has worn off, and we're knee-deep in "work mode". Especially this year, where things look very different than years' past. Here are some examples of situations that have happened many times in my classroom. Do they sound similar to your classroom? Picture this: My student transitions successfully to their work ... continue reading...
Using Google Forms™ For Student Input On IEP Goals
Every season is IEP season as a special educator! Today I'm going to share how I incorporate each of my student's voices into his or her IEP. Using google forms for student input on IEP goals puts the power in the hands of the student. I believe that all students should have input as to what goes in his or her IEP. Yes, that means elementary-aged kiddos, too! Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school, educators should make an effort to incorporate a student's voice into the IEP. ... continue reading...
Tracing Practice for Pre-Writers
If you are in a self contained classroom chances are you have some pre writers on your caseload! I have tons of tips for tracing practice for prewriters that I would love to share with you! Pre-writing skills are super important! The ability to trace straight and curved lines, zig zags, and shapes are all foundational for making letters! We have to trace lines of all types FIRST! USE DRY ERASE MARKERS If your students are making marks with writing utensils and you want to shape ... continue reading...
How to Use February Adapted Books
Adapted Books are a STAPLE in every special education classroom. If you aren't already using them- you need to be! Adapted books are a great way to introduce topics, get students working independently, work on reading and matching skills, and build vocabulary- so many skills in one little book! If you haven't been following me for long, a few years ago I created a monthly adapted books bundle. You get four books for each month for the entire year... it's a great addition to your curriculum! ... continue reading...
Implementing Fine Motor Centers
Today's guest blogger is Heather from Full Sped Ahead! Heather is a middle school functional life skills teacher. She has taught life skills for 6 years and it is her heart and soul! She actively shares her teaching journey on her instagram account (@full_SPED_ahead, give her a follow!). Heather loves to prepare and adapt materials for her students in order for them to become more independent! Lamination and velcro is her love ... continue reading...
Free October Purple/ Green Sort
Who’s ready for another freebie to build you independent work library?! If you don’t have an independent work station… you need to start one right now! Here’s where to start. Building my independent work library was life changing for me! I was understaffed and had a classroom full of students who needed 1:1. Teaching my students how to work independently not only freed up some staff…. but taught them life long skills (independence, schedule following, clean up, attention) that ... continue reading...
Free Halloween Sort
Who’s ready for another freebie to build you independent work library?! If you don’t have an independent work station… you need to start one right now! Here’s where to start. Building my independent work library was life changing for me! I was understaffed and had a classroom full of students who needed 1:1. Teaching my students how to work independently not only freed up some staff…. but taught them life long skills (independence, schedule following, clean up, attention) that ... continue reading...
FREE Apple and Pumpkin Sort
If you have been following me long, you know that it is my passion for students to have access to an independent work library. You can read all about setting one up here. Independent work libraries are a HUGE part of helping your students become independent learners and creating a classroom environment that runs smoothly. It’s a win win for everyone because students are becoming more independent and teachers are freed up! I love any task that I can quickly prep, pull, and clean ... continue reading...
FREE Red and Blue Sort
If you have been following me long, you know that it is my passion for students to have access to an independent work library. You can read all about setting one up here. Independent work libraries are a HUGE part of helping your students become independent learners and creating a classroom environment that runs smoothly. It’s a win win for everyone because students are becoming more independent and teachers are freed up! I love any task that I can quickly prep, pull, and clean ... continue reading...
Valentine’s Day Free Sort
Who's ready for another freebie to build you independent work library?! If you don't have an independent work station... you need to start one right now! Here's where to start. Building my independent work library was life changing for me! I was understaffed and had a classroom full of students who needed 1:1. Teaching my students how to work independently not only freed up some staff.... but taught them life long skills (independence, schedule following, clean up, attention) that they will ... continue reading...
How to Balance being a Working Mom
You have more than likely clicked this link because you are a teacher about to become a Mom, a teacher who is already a Mom or maybe even a Mom about to go back to work full time as a teacher. Full disclosure: I have not been a full time teacher WHILE being a Mom yet. But I am a work from home Mom, and balancing ANYTHING while becoming a Mom is just plain hard. A little life update from me if this is your first visit to my page. I said goodbye to my job as an Autism k-4 substantially ... continue reading...