Simple Visual Schedules
Let’s talk about some simple visual schedules for my autistic students!In my classroom, I've come to appreciate the power of visuals in aiding communication, promoting independence, and reducing anxiety for my autistic students. Visual schedules serve as roadmaps for...
Job Olympics Series – Part 1: Introduction and First Steps
Last year, I wrote a series about vocational jobs in the classroom. To read the series, click the links below. Vocational Job Series Part 1: Stocking How-To and Freebie Vocational Job Series Part 2: Filing Tasks How-To Vocational Job Series Part 3: Miscellaneous...
Differentiation in the General Education Classroom: Large Group
Differentiation in a classroom does take a lot of planning and prep, but don’t panic! Differentiation is important in both general education classrooms, specials, and self-contained classrooms. Throughout a learner's educational experience, we as a team are to...
When You Have A Bad Day
Bad Days Bad days are bound to happen in any job. When it's a rough day in the classroom, not only do you feel the effects as a teacher, but your staff and students do as well. Here are the things I do when I have a bad day and ways to cope when things get hard. 1....
Supporting Students with Autism in the General Education Classroom: Routines
Classroom routines help support our students by breaking down larger amounts of work or activities into smaller parts. Routines provide the details that are required to carry out certain actions. Combined with visual supports, routines can help students understand...
Differentiation in a General Education Classroom: Work at the Table
Differentiation in a general education classroom does take a lot of planning and prep, but don’t panic! Once we differentiate and create materials and resources, we save them for when another learner can benefit from using the same materials, even in school years in...
3 Easy Ways to Support Regulation using Common Classroom Tools and Routines
There are many tools you already likely have in your classroom or can easily incorporate that can support a student feeling calm, safe and comfortable in the classroom. Here are 3 easy tips and ideas on how to support student regulation during natural classroom...
Supporting Students with Autism in the General Education Classroom: Visual Structure
Students with Autism thrive with the use of visuals and structure. When we expect our students to complete work, whether in the general education classroom, special education classroom, or community, we need to remember to use visual structure to help them understand...
Differentiation in a General Education Classroom: Stations
Differentiation in a general education classroom does take a lot of planning and prep, but don’t panic! Differentiation is necessary for all learners. While we do it often for small groups, all areas of the classroom needs to include it. Not all learners are the same....
3 Ways to Determine the Effectiveness of Sensory Strategies
As an OT, I am frequently recommending sensory strategies that students and teams can use throughout the school day to promote regulation and engagement. There are many options available, and it is important to consistently evaluate the effectiveness of sensory...
Supporting Students with Autism in the General Education Classroom: Work Systems
By creating a work system in the general education classroom, students can have a systematic and organized presentation of their tasks and materials to provide opportunities to practice mastered skills, concepts, or activities. THE WHY Work systems in the classroom...
Finding Time to Meet as an IEP Team
Working as an educational team is my favorite part of working in schools. I have made the greatest friends with the teams we have created and learning from each of the amazing experts I have had the opportunity to work with is invaluable. We are all important people...
Supporting Students with Autism in the General Education Classroom: Individual Schedules
When I go into classrooms to observe students, one of the first things I always look for is an individual schedule for the student. If I don’t see an individual schedule, I see if a classroom schedule is visible. Every one of us uses a schedule in our everyday...
Supporting Students with Autism in the General Education Classroom: Physical Structure
Physical structure is critical in making our classroom environments more predictable and manageable. When we create physical structure in the classroom, we support our students by improving their learning environment to ensure maximum learning, increasing...
What To Include in an Individualized Education Program
As a special educator, IEPs are something that we have frequent contact with. Whether we are writing an IEP after an initial evaluation, re-evaluation, annual review, domain, updating goals and benchmarks, or reviewing accommodations and modifications, IEPs are legal...
Setting My Sub Up For Success
I am so happy to share how I set my sub up for success whenever I need to be out of my classroom. Let’s face it, we teachers hate writing sub plans so we often go to work instead of taking time off that we need. Whether or not you need a mental health day or you have...
Building Sensory Menus into a Student’s Daily Schedule
Our students thrive on routine and structure, and incorporating sensory breaks into a student’s schedule should be no different. Learn how to create sensory menus to help make your student’s day more successful. What is a Sensory Menu? Also called a sensory diet, a...
Simple Structure Tips
Let’s talk about how some simple structure tips can change your days!As a special education teacher, my job is to make sure my classroom runs effectively and efficiently so my students can learn. One of the most effective practices I use in my classroom is...
How to Use Easy Matching Workbooks
If you are looking for a product that is easy to set up and implement, check out The Autism Helper’s Easy Matching Workbooks. TAH offers these workbooks in various themes, covering you for the entire school year, including summer school. Set-Up ...
Data and Interventions for Off-Task Behavior
Off a learner is off task, they can be demonstrating that behavior in many different ways. Off-task behavior can have the function of access, escape, attention, or a sensory need. Just like any other behavior, we start with our ABC data and meet as a team to analyze...