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 the pleasure of visiting a Pre-K 3 classroom that just sung to my support heart.  There were visuals in all different forms and get this…they were being taught and utilized each day. These teachers are phenomenal and disclaimer here…their toolbox was built OVER TIME.  A lot of time was invested in making some of the visuals I will review here.  I remember being a new teacher and feeling like I had to make everything a week ago.  They were generous enough to let me take pictures and post here for you! I hope it’s helpful and inspiring for your return in the fall.

Language Supports

I loved seeing all the language (and learning) supports in this classroom!  Every center, table, and area had a visual core board.  What was great to see was one of the students was using the core language board with a learner who is not yet speaking.  He naturally just started pointing to the pictures and talking to his new friend. How amazing? Usually, it’s us as adults who have performance anxiety when it comes to implementing core language boards or using devices.  Also keep in mind, these students are only three years old and have just started this summer school program about a week prior!  Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to use these supports especially when you yourself are getting used to running the classroom but the sooner the better! I wanted to note the Lakeshore wooden holders…you know those piles of old supplies that get tossed on the summer table? That’s where this teacher found those and used them to hold core boards at the tables. Great idea!

Learning Supports

In our county, we currently utilize the Frog Street Curriculum for our early learners. The teachers in this classroom spent a lot of time creating learning resources that include core language and modified materials! I loved the QR codes that take you directly to the online read aloud books and songs.  Our early learners also have access to iPads, and this was a great way to utilize them in an age-appropriate way.

Behavior Supports

I feel like a broken record sometimes when I go into classrooms and talk about the importance of visuals and schedules.  For some it may feel so overwhelming to use these types of supports, like 10 extra steps but it truly is not.  In the end, you will spend more time exhausting yourself and putting out fires all day instead of just putting these in place from the beginning.  I loved this little felt table tent schedule for when students were at the small table.  It’s light, bright, and portable.  Visuals are not a magical fix where you just have them out and they work. They must be modeled and utilized consistently, even in the hardest of moments.  All our classrooms also have cozy corners where students are taught to take breaks and learn co and solo regulation strategies.  See pictures below! Happy Summer!