Behavior is one of the biggest classroom management problems teachers face and another is communicating to parents. Use these reporting behavior forms!
In you special needs class, do you have any behavior issues? Any kids that are over-responsive or just the opposite, under-responsive? YOU.NEED.HEAVY.WORK. I cannot stress enough how much of a DRASTIC change we saw in some of our special thinkers when we began implementing this work system into their daily routine. Here's some info on
Strategies for defiant behavior that support positive behavior, develop teacher-student relationships, and minimize escalating situations.
Defiance, disrespectfulness, kids yelling “NO!” – this is what a teacher’s classroom management nightmares are made of! These days, most teachers may have had one or two defiant children in their class at some point, even all the way … Continue reading →
Does your child's school have restorative practice in place for behavior conflicts? It is shown to improve behavior and enhance learning outcomes.
Our Enduring Issues Classroom Definitions Slideshow & Graphic Organizer is the perfect edition to your social studies curriculum! These definitions & slides were specially designed for New York State (NYS) Global History & Geography teachers preparing for the Regents Exam and it's Enduring Issues essay. Each slide contains high-resolution images embedded that relate to the enduring issue and a concise definition for each enduring issue. Enduring Issues included in the slideshow: Change Innovation Conflict Ideas & Beliefs Power Inequality Scarcity Impact on Environment Population Growth Human Rights Violation The graphic organizer allows students to record a general definition to understand the concept of enduring issues. It also provides space for students to write a definition for each of the 10 enduring issues & examples of that enduring issue from history! Depending on level & ability, students can work as a class, in small groups, or individually to complete this assignment. The definitions are easy to understand and styled to match the language used on the NYS Regents Exam for Global History & Geography! Happy Teaching! - Legit Literacy Follow us on: Instagram Pinterest
Some students need more sensory input than is provided naturally by the gen ed environment. They may be referred to as sensory seekers.
Looking for calm down kit ideas? These items help kids with autism & sensory processing disorder calm down during a meltdown
In you special needs class, do you have any behavior issues? Any kids that are over-responsive or just the opposite, under-responsive? YOU.NEED.HEAVY.WORK. I cannot stress enough how much of a DRASTIC change we saw in some of our special thinkers when we began implementing this work system into their daily routine. Here's some info on
Looking for effective classroom management policies and procedures for secondary classrooms? Here are 5 key starting points!
Keep your child more focused and relaxed with a sensory weighted compression vest designed to wrap them in a comforting hug.\n\nIf your child struggles with physical sensory issues, especially when it comes to ADHD or autism, helping them stay calm and relaxed can be challenging if they simply feel that the world is too big. That’s why wrapping them in a Special Supplies Compression Vest can go a long way to easing fears, reducing stress, and keeping them focused and engaged at home or in the classroom.\n\nComfy Compression and Even Weight Distribution\n\nThe adjustable shoulder straps, midsection straps, and removable sandbags make the Special Supplies weighted compression vest more comfortable for kids with all different sensory needs. In fact, you can use the compression by itself and add more weight as needed based on their individual size or particular sensory requirements. And because it’s cool, comfortable, and breathable they can wear it every day to reduce stress, anxiety, or overwhelming emotions.
As teachers, we all face different behavior challenges in the classroom. These challenges can change day to day or even year to year, but dealing with student behavior is something that no teacher can escape. We can however, use all the tools in our tool box to proactive instead of reactive. I have found over ... Read More about 3 Behavior Essentials for Teachers
Who likes waiting? Not this girl! And I can guarantee our students don’t like waiting either. If you teach students with special needs you know that asking a student to wait can cause a full on melt down in the middle of a seemingly normal Tuesday. And guess what, our classrooms get interrupted for questions, ... Read More about Teaching Wait: The Wait Basket
Make a really cool All About Me Worksheet for any age group, including teens and adults using our templates. Or, print off the free options fill them in.
Behavior is one of the biggest classroom management problems teachers face and another is communicating to parents. Use these reporting behavior forms!
Autism and wandering in the classroom can be a huge problem, Learn the 5 steps to changing wandering behavior in your classroom. Listen now...
Looking for calming strategies for kids with ASD? We’ve got 21+ ideas to to teach you how to deal with autism and stop an autistic meltdown in its tracks!
Teaching our students to transition in the Special Education classroom is a necessary skill. Students need to transition to school, between activities, around campus, and from school each and every day. Teaching these skills can be really tricky in the high intensity classroom, but I have two tips to help your students tackle transition times ... Read More about Tackle Transition Times Like a Pro!
These are 5 characteristics that are not diagnostic...but that educators need to know to help them be successful. Listen at the link or on your favorite podcast app.
Dealing with oppositional defiant disorder at home or in the classroom? We've got 18 ODD discipline tips to help with problem behaviors in a positive way!
Learn how to use a relatively simple solution for student-created podcasts with Screencastify, an easy-to-use screencasting tool.
These sensory red flags and toddler behavior red flags support parents and guardians with questions about their child's needs.
101 sensory play activities for kids with autism to help strengthen the brain’s neural pathways by stimulating the 5 senses to facilitate learning!
Autism and behavioral problems can be all-consuming. Check out our best anger management tips for kids and learn how to calm an angry child the right way!
What types of accommodations can help students with visual processing issues? These classroom strategies can make learning easier for kids with weak visual processing skills.
Have you ever had a class that just tried your patience day after day? Have you ever felt like you could walk away from teaching forever tom...
Learn more about fidget tools and how they can be used to support students wtih anxiety, ADHD, or sensory issues in your classroom. Information on how to get started and which items might be best for
Special eduction law can be a bit gray at times. Although it should be clear cut, it can be difficult to get explicit answers to some of the basic questions that pop up in the day-to-day life of a special education teacher. Here is a scenario that you may have run into before. You need to set up an IEP meeting, but have been unable to confirm a meeting time with the family. How many attempts do you need to make to set up an IEP meeting with a family? What do you do if they don't respond? Can it all be done through email and phone calls or does one of the attempts need to be a letter? Does one attempt need to be a certified letter? While there are laws related to these questions (which you can find HERE), you may find the answer given still leaves you a bit confused. When it comes to these questions, and many more, the law does not give specifics. The specifics tend to come from each state's interpretation of the law and from court case rulings. So how is a special education teacher supposed to make sense of the scattered out information and try to teach at the same time? Well... it's really hard. Some districts have incredible administrators who have a deep understanding of the law, current court cases, and best practice. Many of these districts also reach out to lawyers for guidance. They do the leg work so you can focus on providing your students with what they need to be successful. With that being said, it is still in everyone's best interest to know how to seek out the answers to your own questions. If you do not have this level of support in your district, you will have to take the extra steps to become informed of your role and responsibilities as a special education teacher. I cannot answer all of your questions here. However, I can provide you with some links and resources that will empower you to become more informed and confident in your understanding of special education law. I am going to share a ton of information. I recommend bookmarking this page so that you can refer back to it as questions arise throughout the school year. But first, let's start with the basics. There are three main federal laws that address disabilities. I recommend you click on the links and skim through each of the laws. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - The primary purpose of IDEA is "to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living." IDEA (2004) This is a major law in the world of special education and there is a lot jam packed into this act. You can use the search feature on this page to find information related to a specific topic. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - This is a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability. This law is less applicable to public education, but is still valuable to review. Section 504 Rehabilitation Act - Section 504 extended civil rights to people with disabilities in education and other settings. The act outlines the need for a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) which may include reasonable accommodations. Unlike IDEA, students do not need to qualify for an IEP to fall under the umbrella of 504 services. Please note - this is why it is extremely important that the accommodations listed in the IEP or 504 plan are being followed. If they are not, it becomes a civil rights issue, not just a special education issue. Click on Subpart D for information related directly to preschool, elementary, and secondary education. If reading through those three acts seems daunting, don't worry. I am going to share with you some great resources for synthesizing the plethora of information found above. WrightsLaw - I cannot recommend this site enough. It is run by Pete Wright, an attorney who represents children with special needs, and Pam Wright, a psychotherapist who has worked with children and families since the 70s. They summarize court cases in a way that is easy to understand and provide concrete takeaways from the rulings. They have also written numerous books related to special education law and provide training around law and advocacy throughout the country. Make sure you sign up for their newsletter to stay on top of current court cases. The website has quite a bit of information and can be a little difficult to navigate. However, you can click HERE to watch a quick video about how to sift through all of the information. Center for Parent Information and Resources - This website was produced under the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. While it is geared primarily toward parents, it serves as a great resource for anyone working with students with special needs. Their resource library provides links to documents related to disability services and special education. This site is easy to navigate and the information is accurate and concise. National Education Association (IDEA & Special Education) - This site offers "IDEA Briefs" to explain developments about and aspects of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). They are presented in a question and answer format, and are quick and easy to read. The site also offers a nice summary of the 2004 reauthorization of IDEA found HERE. Department of Education - The specifics surrounding special education law can vary between states. Search your state's department of education website for state specific laws, codes, and policies. You can search for your state HERE and get a list of helpful links. State Specific Education Association - Many states have their own rules and regulations that expand upon those found in IDEA. Your local union (if applicable) may have resources to help you learn more about special education law in your state. If you are unable to find answers on the website, don't hesitate to reach out to your local union reps to see if there are any resources or training opportunities that may be available for special education teachers. Understanding the law is a huge undertaking and I hope that this post has given you some guidence and resources to make it a bit easier. Do you have any other go-to resources for special education law? Please share in the comments below!
Behavior is one of the biggest classroom management problems teachers face and another is communicating to parents. Use these reporting behavior forms!
Also known as ‘brain breaks’ & ‘movement breaks’, these sensory break activities develop gross motor skills, improve self-regulation & help with behavior management in the classroom while also helping kids focus & learn!
I know I am not alone when I say that I struggle to sit through staff meetings without doodling on my paper, shifting in my seat, getting up to use the bathroom and occasionally whispering with my teacher friend next to me. Now, these are every other week, and only for an hour. Every time I leave, I […]
Watch your students' eyes light up with engaging tools and strategies that are practical to implement in the real-world. The place for evidence-based practices, tips, and tools designed just for your special education classroom &
Its the little things sometimes that get noticed and work so well in a classroom of special education students. Don't get me wrong, general education classrooms need to work well also, and the little things count there too, but in special education, the littlest things can make or break a day sometimes. Sometimes its colors of chairs, pencils, who touches your lunch box or moves your chair. This summer I found a simple, but cool pin on Pinterest. It was one of those things that seemed so simple, it was like "How did I not think of this before?" When school rolled around and my tennis ball solution for my chair and table legs scraping on the tile floors began to be a problem because the balls were falling off the legs when the chairs were moved, I remembered this pin. While I cannot claim this as an original idea, I have modified it and wanted to share it with all of you. An idea of putting felt booties or socks as we call them in my room has been the BEST thing since sliced bread. They are quiet, easy to install, economical and easy to replace if they get too dirty. My tennis balls were so dirty. I had tried to dress them up by drawing faces on them but it really didn't help. The cuts in them were expanding and I needed something different. Here's how I did them. 1. Materials: 1- 9" x 12" piece of felt cut into 4 equal pieces. 1 zip tie at least 7 inches long (length helps in ease of fastening) Mine would work with a 4 inch zip tie, but it took longer to get it fastened and secured. Depends on your chair leg circumference also. Pair of scissors to cut felt. chair socks 2. Turn the chair upside down and cover one leg glider with one piece of felt. 3. Use a zip-tie and fasten it around the felt and pulled tightly to secure. 4. Cut off any loose end of the zip-tie. 5. Spread out the felt as seen with the yellow sock on the right in the picture above. You can choose to leave it gathered like the purple sock on the left. The possibilities are endless I think as to what you could do with these. I did several color variations in my classroom just to add pizazz and to satisfy certain color preferences of a couple of my students. We have a couple of chairs with football team colors, one chair with all pink feet and chair socks coordinated according to the location in the room to which they belong such as the reading table, computer center or individual centers. Coordinated Center Chair socks I have several center areas specified by color. You can see by the picture to the right how I color coordinated the center colors with the chair socks. This red center table has red tape around the edges. The chairs have red tape on the back to designate the chair belongs at that particular center and NOW, the chair at the red center has red chair socks. All color coordinated!!! Over the years I've tried many things on chair legs but so far this is my favorite. Sometimes simple is the best! Last week I showed you a preview of a product I was working on for my students to improve reading comprehension. It has simple 1 sentence text with basic WH questions. This activity has limited clip art so as not to distract from the content and includes answer prompts that can be cut out and placed in the answer square or they can left intact on the card and used as a worksheet. They can even be laminated and then you can use wipe off markers for students to draw a line from the answer space to the correct answer. So as promised, just for you, my blog readers, here is a FREE sample of this new product. Its a SALE! Its a SALE! Its a SALE! Its a SALE! Are you still needing those last few things to make your classroom complete? Check out Superteach56's TPT store! I am having a SALE this week! 15% discount on practically everything. Be sure to check it out! Sale starts Tuesday September 24th through Friday, September 27th. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Superteach56 Don't forget our friends over at Manic Monday as well! Check them out for all the great freebies. I"m posting early this week but Manic Monday won't live until tomorrow so come back and visit again. Until next time!
What do you do as a special ed. teacher when a student with autism refuses to work? It depends on the function of the behavior! Learn the 12 Best Strategies!
Make your classroom more engaging and interactive by using these fun and academic products throughout your school year.
Top sensory strategies for the classroom and how to set up a great relationship with the teacher so their sensory diet is working for everyone in the class.
Why your child needs body awareness to improve proprioception for higher learning in the classroom.
Part of my role as the RtI Coordinator is making behavioral observations on specific students. If I had a nickel for each student I've obser...
Do you have a hard time getting your students with autism to communicate for anything other than asking for highly desired items? Here are some ideas about activities you can use with sentence starter strips to get more commenting from them.
