Don't get me wrong, I love summer break as much as the next teacher, but there's something about the first weeks of school that get me excited and looking forward to heading back to the classroom. Maybe it's the decorating. Or maybe it's the fact that everything is so untouched and full of possibilities that keeps my mind working late at night. Either way, the first weeks of school undoubtedly set the foundation for the rest of the school year. In fact, setting that foundation is so ... Read More about Do These 5 Things the First Weeks of School
Training Topics for Paras
Paraprofessionals truly are the backbone to any special education classroom. And we know that professional development is important for teachers, but what about having our paras attend trainings with us? Providing your paras with the right training can help them succeed in the classroom and support you to the best of their abilities. And honestly, training for teachers, parents, and other individuals who work with a child who has an IEP can be written into the child's IEP under ... Read More about Training Topics for Paras
The 10 Best Apps for Special Education This School Year
Tablets and iPads are great, but if you don't know which apps to have available for your students they can be just another piece of tech in the classroom. That's why we searched for the best apps for special education that you can start using in your classroom today! As always, we recommend that you preview the apps before you use them with your students to make sure that they are a good fit for your class. 10 Must-Have Apps for Special Education Teach Your Monster to ... Read More about The 10 Best Apps for Special Education This School Year
11 Inexpensive Behavior Plan Rewards for Students
Extrinsic motivation is a sure thing for most students and even more so for students who have a behavior plan in place. But coming up with those behavior plan rewards can be tricky - and often expensive! Thankfully, there are a lot of inexpensive reward options that you can use instead. Check out the list of some of my favorite student rewards and stock up now to help your students get excited about meeting their behavior goals! This post contains affiliate links to items that might ... Read More about 11 Inexpensive Behavior Plan Rewards for Students
Understanding SDI vs. Differentiation
There are a lot of terms and acronyms in special education that are important to understand. Understanding the difference between Specifically Designed Instruction (SDI) and Differentiation is part of that. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to remember the difference between the two! Let's look at the differences and why you might want to include one versus the other. SDI and Differentiation: What's the Difference? Before we can talk about the differences, it is important ... Read More about Understanding SDI vs. Differentiation
Supports for Special Needs Parents
Being a parent of a special needs child is a tough role. From endless meetings and doctor's appointments to behavior therapists and special tutors, there is always something to do, learn, advocate for, or research more about. But if you're just starting out or not sure what is out there, the question might be, "what supports for special needs parents are out there?" The answer is quite a few. Thankfully, as awareness of special needs parenting grows, the available support lists grows ... Read More about Supports for Special Needs Parents
Self-Monitoring Strategies for Students
Oftentimes students in special education need support with self-monitoring and we have to teach them how to self-monitor, that is - help them to monitor self expressions and behaviors. Students may have excessive energy, a hard time focusing, or trouble controlling their movement during class. As special education teachers, our job is to help support those students by giving them strategies that they can use to be successful in and out of the classroom. But what are those strategies and ... Read More about Self-Monitoring Strategies for Students
What All Teachers Need to Understand About Accommodations
When IEPs are written there are typically accommodations included to help students succeed. These accommodations have been carefully considered and are put into the document with a purpose. Unfortunately, not all teachers feel the same way about accommodations as the IEP team. Some view them as suggestions, and some teachers are not sure what the difference is between accommodations and modifications. Today we will talk about what all teachers need to understand about accommodations in ... Read More about What All Teachers Need to Understand About Accommodations
10 Time Savers for Special Ed Teachers
"I have so much time!" said no teacher ever! In fact, most teachers will loudly declare quite the opposite. That's why these 10 time savers for special ed teachers are so important. Not only do they help save time in the classroom, but they help preserve some of that precious time outside of school. And that's something every teacher can use more of! The Best Special Ed Teacher Time Savers 1 - Laminate Sentence Strips Unleash your inner Bob the Builder and reduce, reuse, ... Read More about 10 Time Savers for Special Ed Teachers
The Best Alternative Seating for the Special Ed Classroom
Focus seats, fidget seats, or alternative seating...whatever you call it, having seating options for your students is a great way to help them focus on their schoolwork and get out their energy. But finding the right alternative seating for the special ed classroom can be tricky! That's why I've put together a list of the best alternative seating for the special ed classroom. The options are exactly what your classroom needs this school year! This article contains affiliate links to ... Read More about The Best Alternative Seating for the Special Ed Classroom
Special Ed Teacher Gifts {Teacher Appreciation Gifts from the Heart}
Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to celebrate the special educators in your life, but anytime of year is just as appreciated. If you're looking for special ed teacher gifts for your child's teachers, your school staff, or your co-workers, we have gathered some that they'll not only love, but that they'll cherish for years to come. The best part? When you purchase your special ed teacher gifts from the stores below, you will be supporting a small business. That's worth ... Read More about Special Ed Teacher Gifts {Teacher Appreciation Gifts from the Heart}
How to Organize an Intensive Support Classroom
Keeping things decorated and organized in an intensive support classroom can be challenging! It's not uncommon to find that at the end of the day, it looks your classroom has exploded... (and not just in this classroom setting, let's be honest!). Thankfully, there are some tips and tricks to organize an intensive support classroom so that you don't have to redecorate every single afternoon. Here's how! This article contains affiliate links to products that might help you. Organize ... Read More about How to Organize an Intensive Support Classroom
Helping Children with Separation Anxiety
Transitioning back to school after a long break or distance learning can cause some children to have separation anxiety. Helping children with separation anxiety can mean the difference between a productive school day and one that is fraught with emotions. If your student, or perhaps your own child, is experiencing separation anxiety here are some ways to help them cope. What is Separation Anxiety? Separation anxiety is distress caused by being away from, or the anticipation of ... Read More about Helping Children with Separation Anxiety
Creating a Sensory Area in the Classroom
Whether it's a sensory corner or a sensory shelf, creating a sensory area in the classroom is a great way to help your students calm down, refocus, and get back on track. But what do you put it in? We asked the amazing teachers in our group, Mrs. D's VIPs, to share with us some of their best tips and tricks for creating a sensory-friendly classroom that all of your students will enjoy! This article contains affiliate links to products that you might find helpful! In full ... Read More about Creating a Sensory Area in the Classroom
Why Use Sorting Mats in the Special Ed Classroom
As teachers we know that kids love hands-on activities. Sorting mats? They provide our students with the manipulatives they love while helping them learn. If you have not tried using sorting mats in the special ed classroom, here are 5 reasons why you should! 5 Reasons to Use Sorting Mats in the Special Ed Classroom 1 - Sorting Mats Offer Hands-on Fun There is just something about being able to work with their hands that helps kids learn. Kinesthetic learners especially enjoy ... Read More about Why Use Sorting Mats in the Special Ed Classroom
10 Resources to Streamline Your Data Collection
Does collecting data have you overwhelmed and exhausted? You're not alone! Data collection can be one of the most time-consuming parts of being a special ed teacher! Thankfully, the 10 resources below help streamline data collection and save you a ton of time! Resources to Make Data Collection Easier When you have a full caseload of students, it can feel like you are constantly buried in paperwork and projects. Having resources to make data collection easier is a must! The 10 ... Read More about 10 Resources to Streamline Your Data Collection
General Education Teachers: What to Bring to an IEP Meeting
IEP meetings can be intimidating for everyone at the table! Making sure that you have everything you need with you, however, can make them a lot less so. General education teachers, here's what to bring to an IEP meeting - and what's not necessary to drag along. What General Ed Teachers Should Bring to an IEP Meeting Even for the most seasoned special education teachers, IEP meetings can be nerve-wracking. Meeting with parents, discussing goals, making sure that everything ... Read More about General Education Teachers: What to Bring to an IEP Meeting
Age-Appropriate Reading Programs for Older Non-Reading Students
Finding great reading programs for older, non-reading students that are not designed for preschoolers is not an easy task. Most programs are either for children who are much younger or who are more advanced with their reading skills. And it can be challenging to find a program that is age-appropriate for older non-reading students! Thankfully, the amazing teachers in our Facebook group have been sharing some of their favorite age-appropriate curriculum ideas. ... Read More about Age-Appropriate Reading Programs for Older Non-Reading Students