Planning for the Fall: Part 3 – Work Systems
Part 3 of the "Planning for the Fall" series focuses on work systems. Work systems are an organized way to practice skills that have been previously taught systematically. They can be used in multiple settings within the school environment, allowing students to be...
Planning for the Fall: Part 2 – Visual Schedules
In Part 1, we laid the foundation for planning for the fall by mapping out the physical structure of your classroom. If you missed it, check it out here. Now that you have planned the physical structure, you can start creating individual visual schedules for your...
5 Centers Set-Up Ideas for a Self-Contained Autism Classroom
Creating a structured, purposeful classroom environment is the cornerstone of success in a self-contained autism elementary setting. One highly effective approach is implementing rotating centers that support IEP goals, foster independence, and provide differentiated...
Creating Predictable Routines for Young Learners
In our kindergarten through second-grade special education classroom, routines aren’t just helpful, they’re essential. Many of our learners thrive on predictability, and when routines are clear, consistent, and supportive, they create a classroom climate where...
Planning for the Fall: Part 1 – Physical Structure
With the school year wrapping up in just a few short weeks, it is never too early to start thinking about the next school year. By now, most teachers have a good handle on their incoming caseload and can start creating a good plan to take away from the busyness of...
Restructuring-It’s Never too Late!
While you might be reading this in May with only a little bit of time left in the school year, just know that if things feel like they need a little restructuring that it’s ok! Or maybe you’ll be teaching summer school or ESY and want to have some new structures...
Wrapping Up A Wonderful School Year as a Kindergarten Teacher
As the final days of the school year approach, I have noticed an increase in the energy in both our kindergarten students as well as staff. The weather is getting warmer and the end of the year is felt throughout the building. While there is still a lot of learning to...
Additional Vocational Jobs to Add to the Classroom
In last month’s blog, I shared several vocational jobs that could be added to your classroom. If you missed it, check it out here. This month, I am back with more vocational job ideas to add to your classroom and students’ day. Check out these ideas and how to make...
Three Types of Visual Supports
As many of you know, visual supports are incredibly important for our students with autism. Today, I'd like to talk about three types of visuals I use every day: schedules, cues, and boundaries.Schedules: Empower Independence and Build ConfidenceIn our classroom,...
Vocational Jobs to Add to the Classroom
Adding vocational jobs to your classroom gives your students responsibility and allows them to generalize previously taught skills. Vocational jobs enable our students to learn various skills that will be useful now and in the future. These skills are crucial to our...
Life Skills 0.5 Curriculum
I was thrilled when I saw that there was a life skills 0.5 curriculum out! As educators and service providers we tend to focus on the academic skills. These life skill units focus on additional important functional language and generalizing concepts. Specifically,...
How General Education Teachers Can Incorporate Social-Emotional Learning Activities
As educators, academic skills are only a part of what students need to succeed in school and to increase independence in their home life. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is equally important, helping students manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and...
Supporting Students in Specials
Teachers often ask how they can best support students in specials classes (art, PE, music, technology, etc.). Below, I have outlined some tips and strategies to help our learners succeed in these classes. Tips and Strategies for Supporting Students in Specials:...
The Importance of Classroom Routines Visuals
As educators, we know that every student is unique, and when working with autistic students, it’s especially important to find the tools that work best for them. One of the most effective strategies I've found to support my students is using visuals for classroom...
How to Refresh a Kindergarten Classroom After the New Year Holiday
The New Year brings a fresh start, making it the perfect time to refresh your kindergarten classroom. After a long holiday break, both you and your students are ready for a new chapter filled with learning, creativity, and growth. Here are some simple and effective...
Work Task Organization and Data
Ever wondered how I keep everything organized behind the scenes? In this post, I’m taking you inside independent work task center—showing you why tracking data is so crucial and how I designed a unique book to help my paraprofessionals provide the best support for our...
How to Create and Use Individualized Learning Bins
Kindergarten is a time for young learners to develop foundational skills, but each child progresses at their own pace and has unique learning needs. One effective way to address this diversity is through individualized learning bins. These bins are a powerful tool to...
Modifying the Environment for Student Success
Did you know you can set up your classroom as an extra pair of hands? Creating a successful classroom setup not only lends a pair of extra hands but can also help prevent some behaviors. WHAT ARE ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATIONS? Environmental Modifications are physical...
Embedding Functional Routines into the General Education Curriculum
Teaching functional routines in a general education kindergarten classroom is essential for fostering independence, social skills, and emotional regulation among young learners. As we attend continuing education, we learn that there are more intense curricula and...
Classroom Flow Check-In
Happy Fall! By now, you may be four to eight weeks into your back-to-school routine. How are things going? If you feel like things are chaotic or not quite right, just know that you are not alone! Sometimes this feeling can come from the actual structure and set up of...