Distance learning is full of challenges, but figuring out what to have your para help with should not be one of them. Paraprofessionals can be a fantastic asset to any classroom – even a virtual one. However, figuring out how to have them help in the non-traditional classroom setting can be overwhelming. We asked veteran teachers what tasks they assigned paras in their classrooms throughout virtual learning and had some great responses. Depending on your relationship with your para ... Read More about Para Expectations and Jobs During Virtual Learning
Book Companions: Must Have Resource for Teachers + Substitutes
Picture books are on my list of must-have teacher materials. They are great for any grade, and students love them. There's just something about being read to that makes even the most resistant learners pay attention. But I always struggled with turning those wonderful read-aloud moments into lessons that would reinforce comprehension skills and give students a hands-on learning experience that could be applied to reading skills they needed to work on. Enter Book Companions. They ... Read More about Book Companions: Must Have Resource for Teachers + Substitutes
The Difference in Student Levels: Grade Level, Instructional Level, and Ability Level
Understanding the differences in a student’s levels can lead to more effective teaching, improved comprehension, and increased student success. And not only does understanding the "level language" help the child, but it also helps you write better IEPs. When it comes to how a student can and will learn and at what "level", you have to think of 3 things: Grade LevelInstructional LevelAbility Level And for neurodiverse students, teachers don't often have to think about all of these ... Read More about The Difference in Student Levels: Grade Level, Instructional Level, and Ability Level
Creating Open Communication Between Home and School with a Daily Communication Notebook
Establishing an open line of communication with parents is essential for teachers. The printable Daily Behavior Communication Notebook makes it easy. Like many teachers, there was not a lot of emphasis placed on how to establish communication with families during my teacher training. So, going into the classroom, it was a lot of trial and error. I knew I needed an effective way to communicate with my students' parents, but I also knew it couldn't take me forever to record the information ... Read More about Creating Open Communication Between Home and School with a Daily Communication Notebook
Must Have Fidgets for Any Classroom
Fidget toys are a great coping tool for students with anxiety and ADHD. They provide sensory stimulation that can allow students to focus on classwork and are a must for any classroom. But which fidget toys are the most effective and best for the classroom? We asked veteran teachers to share their experiences and expertise with us to come up with a list of the best must-have fidgets for any classroom! The Best Fidgets for the Any Classroom VELCRO (shop here) Strips of VELCRO ... Read More about Must Have Fidgets for Any Classroom
Morning Adapted Work Binder | Interactive Binder for Kids
Adapted Work Binders® (AWBs) have long been a staple in the way I work with my students. They address the skills my students are working on and give me a great indication of how they are progressing. I can even individualize student AWBs, which is great for IEP work and making sure students are working on skill mastery. One of my favorite and most-used tools is the Morning Adapted Work Binder. This interactive binder was something I created and designed specifically for my students. My ... Read More about Morning Adapted Work Binder | Interactive Binder for Kids
Planning Ideas for 1:1 Virtual Sessions with Students Who are Nonverbal
Virtual learning has come with many challenges, and making sure our non-verbal students have access and success during virtual sessions is essential. So how can you plan for those 1:1 sessions to make sure your nonverbal students are able to demonstrate their understanding and communicate effectively? With help from veteran teachers in the VIP Facebook group, I have compiled a few ways to ensure your students are given the opportunities they need to succeed. Choose the methods that ... Read More about Planning Ideas for 1:1 Virtual Sessions with Students Who are Nonverbal
Classroom Activities that Are NOT Worksheets
Worksheets have a place in the classroom, but there are times when activities that aren't worksheets are more appropriate... not to mention all the different learning types we have in our classroom! The question is, what types of activities can be done to help students meet their goals. I have compiled a list of some great ideas for classroom activities that are not worksheets that still pack a powerful education punch. As you read through the list, pick and choose the activities that ... Read More about Classroom Activities that Are NOT Worksheets
10 Reasons to Use Adapted Books
Adapted books are a great addition to any classroom - whether it is a special needs classroom, in a neurodiverse classroom, in a homeschool classroom, or even a virtual classroom. And today I want to keep it simple by sharing 10 reasons you should be using adapted books in your classroom. If you aren't sure what an adapted books is or need help with the prep process, this blog post will be your new best friend! NOTE: at the end of this blog post is a coupon code to join Adapted Book ... Read More about 10 Reasons to Use Adapted Books
Lesson Planning for 1:1 Virtual Sessions with Nonverbal Students
Making sure nonverbal students have access and success during virtual sessions is critical. So, how can you plan for those 1:1 sessions to make sure your students are able to demonstrate their understanding and communicate effectively? It takes a little bit of creativity and patience! We have compiled some easy ways to ensure your students are given the opportunities they need to succeed. Choose the methods that will work best for them and you during these unusual teaching ... Read More about Lesson Planning for 1:1 Virtual Sessions with Nonverbal Students
Safety Protocols for Student Businesses in the COVID-19 Classroom
When the world changes, so too does the way clubs, events, and fundraisers in school work. Strict guidelines and standards have changed how teachers guide their students - especially when it comes to cooking and running things like coffee carts and breakfast bars. Thankfully, safety protocols for student businesses in the COVID-19 classroom make the experience safe for all students and teachers involved. With some creative thinking and a willingness to step outside the box, students can ... Read More about Safety Protocols for Student Businesses in the COVID-19 Classroom
How to Set Up Closed Captioning for Assistive Tech
During virtual learning, it is essential to meet all students' needs and make sure that the technology that is being used is accessible to them. One of the ways to do that is to make sure that your live and pre-recorded lessons have closed captioning. How do you set up closed captioning for assistive technology? It may be easier than you think! We have compiled a few ways that might be available to you for adding closed captioning to your lessons and live recordings. As always, the method ... Read More about How to Set Up Closed Captioning for Assistive Tech
The Perks of Paper/Pencil Data Collection for Special Ed Teachers
Are you Team Technology or Team Paper and Pencil when it comes to data collection? Technology is a way of life now, especially with virtual learning, but there is something to be said for paper and pencil data collection. While technology has given us fast and easy ways to calculate, store, and record data, does it take away from the benefits of paper and pencil work? There are pros and cons to both sides. Ya'll know I am partial to pencil/paper data collection. You can learn my ... Read More about The Perks of Paper/Pencil Data Collection for Special Ed Teachers
Classroom Jobs for Students in Special Ed
Class jobs give students responsibilities in the classroom that make them feel more included. Non-traditional class jobs are perfect for students who need practice in certain areas or who have an affinity for particular types of tasks. We asked veteran teachers what some of their favorite class jobs for special ed students have been over the years. They came up with a lot of great ideas! See their responses in the post in Mrs. D’s VIPs Facebook Group or summarized below. If you’re not a ... Read More about Classroom Jobs for Students in Special Ed
Podcasts for Special Ed Teachers
Have a long commute to work? Need something to get your day going or inspire you? Try listening to a podcast! Podcasts are a great way to get in a little personal and professional development without the heavy lifting of having to attend a class or sign-up for a webinar. They are free (for the most part!) and range in topic from everything from financial strategies to teaching tips to serial stories for kids. If you are searching for just the right podcast to entertain you, try one (or ... Read More about Podcasts for Special Ed Teachers
Tops Trends in Teaching Today
Educational trends come and go, but teachers on the frontlines often bear the brunt of them. While some are positive, other trends are short-lived and not as effective as originally hoped. Outside the scope of distance learning, 2020 has already seen its fair share of teacher trends. From classroom designation changes to the rush to assess or diagnose, there are plenty of educational trends that make up a teacher's day. Here are some of the most prevalent ones in 2020 so far: Lack ... Read More about Tops Trends in Teaching Today
Visual Schedules During Distance Learning | SPED Connection
Just because you are teaching virtually doesn’t mean your students don’t need a schedule to follow. They definitely do. And visual schedules are a great way, even during virtual learning, to help students prepare for their day. Welcome to the SPED Connection, a collection of tips and tricks from other special educators all over the world. Because we’re all in this together! Today's tips come from Heather, who is currently a middle school functional life skills teacher and the author ... Read More about Visual Schedules During Distance Learning | SPED Connection
Cooking in the Classroom Q&A | Fun Food Friday
Cooking in the Classroom is one of the best decisions I made as a teacher in the self-contained classroom. There are so many skills you. can practice during Fun Food Friday that no other lessons can do. But maybe you have some questions about cooking in the classroom, especially during distance learning. So today we will be answering all of your questions! Welcome to the SPED Connection, a collection of tips and tricks from other special educators all over the world. Because we’re all ... Read More about Cooking in the Classroom Q&A | Fun Food Friday