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...
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...
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...
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:...
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...
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...
Two Easy and Efficient Ways to Train Staff
The days leading up to the beginning of the school year can quickly become filled with meetings, prepping the classroom, creating materials, etc., making it challenging to find time to train staff. Between being short-staffed and having limited time to train,...
The Autism Helper Resources Needed for the Beginning of the Year
It’s not too late to feel prepared for the beginning of the year! While you may be like me and have been in school for two weeks now, I have found myself getting more prepped and pumped for this school year. This week the reality of being back in school sunk in. We...
The Beginning of the Year Setup as a Specialist
The beginning of the school year looks different for all of the people involved within the school setting. From a custodian, a teacher, a specialist, a parent, a student, and everyone else that I am missing! There is always a lot of work to get ready for teacher meet...
More Organizational Tips for the Start of the School Year
Getting organized is my jam! It's not just about having everything in its "place," it's about feeling in control. When I'm organized, I can tackle any task with confidence. Check out my last post here for more organizational tips and physical structure in the...
Setting Up Your Classroom for the Fall!
As the new school year approaches, setting up a classroom requires thoughtful planning to create a structured and supportive environment. Thinking about the flow of your classroom will help you get started! You might need to adjust as you go and learn the needs of...
It Gets Worse Before it Gets Better: Organization and Physical Structure in the Classroom
Do you know the saying, "It gets worse before it gets better?" I always remember this as I start back and prepare for the new school year. After weeks of sitting in boxes and storage, it's time to pull everything back out and start fresh. It can get messy,...
Summer to Fall Classroom Ideas!
As a special educator on the Infants & Toddlers team, I have the opportunity to go into homes, daycares, and summer school programs! While you may not be quite ready to think about classroom set up, think of this post as some summer manifesting. This month I had...
3 Must-Have Storage Items for the Classroom
Keeping things stored and organized helps create a successful classroom. You can purchase these items through Amazon, Target, Wal-Mart, or Michael’s. Check out my favorite storage items and ideas for using them in your classroom. Shoebox Containers Store...
Ending the Year on a High Note
Have Fun, Organize, and Prepare As the school year winds down, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the tasks that need to be done. But with a little planning, you can end the year on a high note, making it fun for your students, efficiently packing up your...
3 Items I’m Never Without
In my classroom there are 3 items I constantly find myself reaching for and using. I teach a K-2 self contained classroom and keeping my classroom safe, functional and happy is my top priority. I've found that these items help keep my days running smoothly, for both...
Setting the Classroom Up for Success: Creating Errorless Work Tasks
With the end of the school year nearing, it always helps to start thinking and planning for the fall now. Follow along for some ideas and tips on getting a jump start on preparing for next year.As I begin thinking about next year, I want to prepare new materials for...
Back to School Prepping this Spring
Spring Prep for Fall Every spring, as we move into April and May, I try to get some of the basic back-to-school prep done for my students. My time in the summer is precious, and I want to spend as much time as I can now prepping what I know I'll need for back to...
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...