Let’s talk about my most used and must-have resources for my self-contained classroom!
As a special education teacher, I have found certain resources to be incredibly valuable and essential for creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for my students. Over the years, I have carefully curated a collection of materials that have become my go-to tools for teaching and supporting my students’ diverse needs. In this blog, I want to share with you some of my most valuable and most used resources that have made a significant impact in my special education classroom.
As a special education teacher, I have found certain resources to be incredibly valuable and essential for creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for my students. Over the years, I have carefully curated a collection of materials that have become my go-to tools for teaching and supporting my students’ diverse needs. In this blog, I want to share with you some of my most valuable and most used resources that have made a significant impact in my special education classroom.
The Power of Special Education Allowance
One of the ways I have been able to acquire these resources is through my yearly special education allowance. This allowance provides me with the opportunity to invest in materials that directly benefit my students and enhance their learning experiences. It is a valuable resource that allows me to continually improve and adapt my teaching methods to meet the unique needs of my students. And, let’s be honest here, in special education, things break OFTEN, so this allowance also allows me to recoup lost/broken items.
The Amazon Wishlist
In addition to my special education allowance, I have also created an Amazon wishlist and shared it with my family, friends, and student families. As a result, this has been a wonderful way for them to support my classroom by gifting some of the items on my list. It has not only helped me acquire additional resources but has also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among those who care about the success of my students.
- Hot Tip: I always make sure to send out a hand written thank you card from all of my students when I get donations!
Years of Accumulation
It’s important to note that the resources I have accumulated for my special education classroom did not happen overnight. I have been teaching for nine years, and throughout this time, I have carefully selected and added materials that have proven to be effective in meeting the diverse needs of my students. It is a continuous process of learning and refining, and I am grateful for the experience and knowledge gained along the way.
My Most Valuable Resources
Swingline GBC 3100L Laminator
First, in special education classrooms, we laminate everything! A good laminator is an invaluable tool. I personally use the Swingline GBC 3100L laminator, which has proven to be reliable and efficient. Laminating materials such as visual aids, task cards, and communication boards helps to extend their lifespan and durability, ensuring that they can be used repeatedly by my students.
5 Mil Lamination Sheets
To complement my laminator, I always keep a stock of 5 mil lamination sheets. These thicker sheets provide an extra layer of protection and sturdiness to the materials I laminate. They are particularly useful for items that require frequent handling or are used in more active learning activities.
Velcro Dots
In a special education classroom, velcro dots are an absolute must-have! I cannot stress enough how valuable these little adhesive wonders are. They allow me to create interactive and customizable learning materials, such as visual schedules, communication boards, and interactive books like TAH’s Easy Matching Weekly Workbooks. Velcro dots make it easy for my students to manipulate and attach visuals, fostering independence and engagement in their learning.
Coil Binding Machine
Next, one of my all-time favorite resources is my binding machine. This coil binding machine has been a game-changer in organizing and creating personalized resources for my students. With this machine, I can quickly and neatly bind materials such as individualized workbooks, communication journals, and social stories. The coil binding provides durability and allows for easy page-turning, making it a practical choice for materials that are frequently used and handled.
Flexible Bluetooth Headphones
As you know, technology plays a big role in today’s classrooms, and my special education classroom is no exception. Flexible children’s Bluetooth headphones, such as the iClever Headphones, have been a valuable addition to my resources. These headphones provide my students with the opportunity to engage in digital learning activities and listen to audio books. One major reason that I keep coming back to purchase these headphones is the flexibility and durability. Students can bend and stretch these many ways and they don’t break!
AstroBrights Paper
Additionally, AstroBrights Paper is a valuable resource in my special education classroom. It helps implement a color coding system that aids organization and visual cues for my students. Assigning specific colors to each child allows for easy identification and differentiation of materials, promoting organization and engagement in learning.
Lakeshore Learning Materials for Student Engagement and Support
Finally, Lakeshore Learning has invaluable (and quality) educational materials that greatly enhance student engagement and learning. Their wide range of offerings includes hands-on manipulatives, interactive games, and activities. These materials are extra helpful for independent learning when the classroom is short-staffed.
To see more of my classroom, read my blogs here. You can also see these materials on YouTube. What are your must-have resources for your classroom? I’d love to know!
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