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...
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...
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...
IEP Goal Examples: Functional Routines
My goal is always to help other teachers with things that I struggled with. In my experience, it was hard to ask for help and I wanted people to believe that I had it all together. Being an educator is hard, and after my experiences, I learned that asking for help is...
3 Thing to Prep This Summer
Summer Prep When I'm on summer break, I don't want to do TOO much related to school. However, I've found that if I prep a few things here and there, I can make the back-to-school rush a little easier for myself. No matter if you are new to the classroom or an...
Successful Student Transitions to a General Education Setting
The transition from a self-contained classroom to a general education setting is a huge milestone for the classroom team and the learner. It is something to celebrate! A learner who is going through this transition has gained skills and new independence. While...
Strategies to Implement Within the Home
Anyone who is a parent, guardian, or a caregiver for someone knows that it is practically impossible to set up a home that mirrors school. If you are someone like me who is working a full-time job outside of the home, follow-through within the home on teaching...
Morning Routines and More
Ring the Alarm - School is Back! The kids are going back to school which means it’s time for changing up our schedules and getting used to those early mornings. I returned to work this week and wow, it was hard! I was exhausted, cranky, and depended heavily on...
3 Tips for Collaborating with Service Providers
When the school day feels like it has lasted 12 million years and nothing has gone right, who do you depend on? The other educators in your building who just get it; your service providers. Grade level teachers have their team, and we have ours. Working closely with...
Michelle’s Daily Schedule
I’m really excited to share how I structure my classroom daily schedule with you! This classroom schedule has worked well in my classroom with having to make minor changes over the years; which is why I continue to use this schedule. There is no need to reinvent the...
Color Coded Student Schedules
Let’s talk about color-coded student schedules! You are using schedules in your classroom, right? If you are not, you should because it’s an incredibly important functional skill for every learner. Hands down, one of the best strategies I use in my classroom is...
Multiuse Structure
You may not be QUITE ready to think about setting up your classroom for next year but in case you are, here are two of my favorite types of structure. Visual schedules and workstations. And if you have read any of my previous blogs, you know I love multiuse...
ESY Schedule and Activities
Our students thrive on routine, and ESY should be no different. Although there are benefits to the flexibility of the ESY schedule, it is essential to keep a routine and structure in place when planning for some fun summer activities that your students will love!ESY...
How To Start A Learner With An Object Schedule
Object schedules don’t have to be fancy! When creating them, I often need to remind myself to stop overthinking. When I started using object schedules, I tried to find objects that matched the area of the classroom exactly. After failing to find enough objects for a...
Using a Traveling Schedule
Today I want to share one of the most important tools that I implement within my classroom, the traveling visual schedule. This manilla folder is a one stop shop to student success. With an individualized schedule on the front and token economy board on the back, your...
The Importance of Adapted Specials
If a student is having a hard time learning an academic skill, we teach them. If a student is lacking communication skills, we teach them. If a student is struggling with self-regulating, we teach them. So, if a student doesn’t have the skills to be successful in a...
The Dos and Don’ts of Independent Work
Two weeks ago, I shared with readers some simple ways to keep your classroom running when you’re short staffed. This week we are talking all about independent work! Not only are independent work blocks an easy way to help students work on skills like organization,...
3 Ways to Increase Opportunities for Inclusion
Inclusion is more than just plopping a student into a general education setting and calling it good. Being actively inclusive means that regardless of the potential barriers, all student's needs are considered and addressed; ensuring that they have the same...
Keeping Your Classroom Going When You’re a Man Down
Help! Your Classroom is a Man Down! I’m sure we’d all love to say that classrooms have become short-staffed solely because of COVID-19, but let’s be real, classrooms were short-staffed long before the pandemic. Now, let’s add the impact of a pandemic – and well,...
Get Ready for 2022!
As a serial goal setter, New Years is one of my favorite holidays. Whether it’s reviewing my Top Songs of 2021 on Spotify, or color coordinating my 2022 desk calendar – this time of year excites me! Seriously – if it involves a new planner or a package of Paper Mate...