Let’s talk about my special education teacher bag and why you need one!
You may have already read my post about 5 Steps for Managing Challenging Behaviors, and if not, take a look! In that post, one of my tips for managing challenging behaviors is my special education teacher bag. I wanted to dive a little deeper into the bag because it literally goes with me everywhere outside of my classroom. It is a crucial part of my day and could help you too!
The Bag
Here is the bag I use for my special education teacher bag. This was purchased on amazon. It has so many amazing zippers and pockets and is really resourceful for what I need it for. I have been using this bag for two months now, and it has held up nicely!
The Contents
I keep a variety of things inside of my special education teacher bag because nothing is worse than being with students who may be having a difficult time and you not being prepared to help them through. Between myself and my paraprofessionals, we always have something on us that can help a student through a difficult moment. Some ideas to think about for your special education teacher bag:
- Mini white board
- White board marker
- Fidget toys
- Pen
- Chapstick
- Band-Aids
- Hand sanitizer
- Walkie-Talkies/Radios
- Visuals & reinforcements
Walkie-Talkies
At my school, I am required to carry a school radio to contact admin if necessary as well as if the office needs to contact me while my class is on campus. Previously, this radio became difficult for me to carry because I couldn’t always hear it if I clipped it on my pocket, not to mention, it would fall off if I had to run or sit down.
My classroom also has individual walkie talkies to communicate with each other while we are at pick up/dismissal, on the playground, or separated at any time. My principal purchased these for my class.
Having to carry not one but two radios makes carrying my teacher bag so handy!
Fidget Toys
Sometimes waiting is hard, but it is a part of life. Being short staffed unfortunately means my students have to wait for other students to arrive to school. A great way to pass the time for students, is to have sensory toys or fidget toys while they wait.
Some of the students’ favorite fidget toys that are easy to carry are: a fidget noodle, a visual wait timer, and noise makers, or musical instruments.
Visuals and Reinforcements
My students are known to have difficulty waiting, transitioning, or even listening to my instructions at times. Carrying my teacher bag has allowed me to be more proactive and front load my students before changes happen or be more prepared if they do have a difficult time throughout the day.
I love using my mini white board for first/then, lists, or rules. I also love carrying the visual keychain for visual reminders for my students. We also use reinforcements to practice waiting intervals. My students are reinforced by sharks, dinosaurs, and sometimes snacks. Whatever is working for my students at the moment, goes in the bag.
What will you put in your special education teacher bag? Comment below to tell me what your must-have items are!
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