Making sure our students have enough math practice is vital. Thankfully, there are math websites that are great for special ed!

It’s such a pleasure to have Angi Pearce back on these pages to share her experiences and passion for teaching students with AAC needs. Angi is a teacher at Kowhai Special School in Hastings,…

We can use switches for communication (like recordable switches) and we can use them to access items with wired or wireless switches.

Want to know more about a platform that students can use digitally to work on concepts you assign them? Read more here about Boom Learning!

Technology is around our students everywhere. At school, at home, in the community. These are apps that I have used in my self-contained classroom and are loved by all of my students. List of 10 educational apps for sped, at Mrs. D's Corner.

We can use switches for communication (like recordable switches) and we can use them to access items with wired or wireless switches.

Looking for fun and educational activities for your special education class? Check out these student-run business ideas!

Do your students struggle to show that they are able to comprehend what they have read? Being able to demonstrate comprehension is a vital life skill. Here is how we target reading comprehension in my self-contained special education classroom. Many of my students have language based disabilities. The more words (spoken or written), the more ... Read More about Functional Reading Comprehension Instruction In Special Ed.

Informal math assessments for special education for K-8. Assessments are aligned with Common Core Standards. Find your students average level/abilities.

STEM in a special ed classroom is a huge possibility. Take a look inside my classroom to see how we make it work, what we use, and more!

Are you a special education teacher looking for a job outside of the classroom? These are 10 jobs for sped teachers NOT in the classroom!

A single document that has a snapshot for each student on your caseload. This is great for generalists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and other service providers. Provided Information Categories Include Eligibility Category Name General Education Teacher’s name Student ID number Date of Annual IEP due date Date of Eligibility due date Specially Designed Instruction service times in the Special Education setting Specially Designed Instruction service times in the General Education setting Service times for each related service Testing Accommodations Any notes This is an editable document for you to customize to your needs. Other Related Items Quick Assessment Data: Measure of Academic Progress (MAPs)

Discover the Advanced Kindergarten Curriculum in a Dynamic Digital Format, specially optimized for apps like GoodNotes and other digital annotation tools. Tailored for today's educators, this curriculum seamlessly blends technological convenience with meticulously designed lesson plans, all accessible in PowerPoint for easy customization. You read that right, the curriculum was designed in PowerPoint and is fully editable! Why Opt for Our Digital Kindergarten Curriculum? Digital or Print 1,192 Pages Covering 4 Terms Interactive and Hyperlinked Effortless Navigation: Hyperlinks and realistic tabs enable swift transitions between lessons, subjects, and activities, simplifying navigation. User-Friendly Design: Navigate smoothly with intuitive links and a well-structured content layout. Digital Annotation Capabilities Write and Highlight: Engage with the curriculum directly using a digital pen to annotate, highlight, and take notes as on real paper. Edit with Ease: Make corrections simply and cleanly, avoiding the clutter of traditional erasing. Universal Accessibility Learn Anywhere: Access the curriculum on your tablet or computer—ideal for teaching from home, in the classroom, or on the move. Cloud-Based Storage: Keep your curriculum in the cloud and synchronize it across devices to always have the most current version. Eco-Friendly Teaching Go Paperless: Minimize environmental impact by switching to a digital format, reducing the need for printed materials. Sustainable Teaching: Embrace digital solutions to support eco-friendly educational practices. Enhanced Learner Engagement Multimedia Content: Integrate videos, audio clips, and interactive elements to enrich the learning experience. Interactive Features: Stimulate student involvement with engaging features that make learning both fun and effective. Customization and Flexibility Tailor Your Teaching: Adjust lessons to suit your educational style and meet the specific needs of your students. Add Personal Touches: Enhance the curriculum with your own notes, images, and links for a more personalized teaching experience. Time and Cost Efficiency Ready-to-Implement: Save extensive preparation time with our pre-formatted, ready-to-use digital curriculum. Cost-Effective Solution: Invest in a comprehensive educational tool at a fraction of the cost of traditional materials, ensuring great value for your investment." Here's what the curriculum looks like inside: Term 1: Foundations and Basics Weeks 1-9: Introduction to basic phonics (A-I), simple math concepts (counting, basic addition), introductory science (weather, plants), and exploring local geography. Arts focus on simple crafts and songs. (300 Pages in all) Term 2: Development and Exploration Weeks 10-18: Continue phonics (J-R), more complex math concepts (subtraction, shapes), deeper science explorations (basic physics like simple machines), and more detailed social studies (community helpers, states). Include more complex crafts and group play activities that encourage social skills. (300 pages in all) Term 3: Application and Expansion Weeks 19-27: Advanced phonics (S-Z), introduction to multiplication and division, science topics like the human body and earth science, and world geography. Arts can include performing simple plays and learning musical instruments. (290 pages in all) Term 4: Integration and Application Weeks 28-36: Reinforce all phonics through reading comprehension, complex math problems (fractions, time), detailed science projects (simple experiments), and a deeper understanding of history and different cultures. Conclude with comprehensive projects that integrate multiple subjects. (302 pages in all) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) that align with each term’s content are listed below: Term 1: Foundations and Basics (Weeks 1-9) English Language Arts (ELA): RF.K.1: Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print. RF.K.2: Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes). RF.K.3: Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words. L.K.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. Mathematics: K.CC.A.1: Count to 100 by ones and by tens. K.CC.A.2: Count forward beginning from a given number within the known sequence. K.CC.B.4: Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities; connect counting to cardinality. K.OA.A.1: Represent addition with objects, fingers, mental images, drawings, sounds, acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations. Science: K-ESS2-1 (NGSS): Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time. K-LS1-1 (NGSS): Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive. Social Studies (State-Specific Standards): Introduction to basic local geography and community understanding (often covered under state-specific social studies standards for kindergarten). Arts: Integration of simple crafts and songs is likely aligned with state or local standards for visual arts and music. Term 2: Development and Exploration (Weeks 10-18) English Language Arts (ELA): RF.K.2: Continued focus on phonological awareness with new letters and sounds. RF.K.3: Continued development of phonics and word recognition skills. Mathematics: K.OA.A.1: Continue representing and solving addition and subtraction problems. K.OA.A.2: Solve addition and subtraction word problems, and add and subtract within 10. K.G.A.1: Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes. K.G.B.4: Analyze, compare, create, and compose shapes. Science: K-PS2-1 (NGSS): Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object (basic physics and simple machines). Social Studies (State-Specific Standards): Community Helpers and basic understanding of states, focusing on roles in society and basic geography (typically under state standards). Arts: Development of more complex crafts, possibly aligned with standards for visual arts. Encouragement of group play activities that help in the development of social skills. Term 3: Application and Expansion (Weeks 19-27) English Language Arts (ELA): RF.K.2: Continued phonological awareness with advanced phonics. RF.K.3: Mastery of phonics and word recognition skills. Mathematics: K.OA.A.3: Decompose numbers less than or equal to 10 into pairs in more than one way. K.OA.A.4: For any number from 1 to 9, find the number that makes 10 when added to the given number. K.NBT.A.1: Work with numbers 11-19 to gain foundations for place value. (Introduction to Multiplication and Division): This may align with more advanced work typically introduced in first grade, so it may be exploratory rather than mastery-focused. Science: K-LS1-1 (NGSS): Continue learning about the human body and its basic needs. K-ESS3-1 (NGSS): Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live (Earth Science). Social Studies (State-Specific Standards): World Geography, focusing on understanding maps and basic global awareness. Arts: Simple plays and introduction to musical instruments, which would typically align with state standards for performing arts. Term 4: Integration and Application (Weeks 28-36) English Language Arts (ELA): RL.K.10: Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding. RF.K.4: Read emergent-reader texts with purpose and understanding. W.K.2: Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose informative/explanatory texts. W.K.3: Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate a single event or several loosely linked events. Mathematics: K.G.A.2: Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size. K.MD.A.1: Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or weight. K.MD.A.2: Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common. K.MD.B.3: Classify objects and count the number of objects in each category (introduction to fractions and time might be exploratory). Science: K-PS3-1 (NGSS): Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface (simple experiments). K-ESS2-2 (NGSS): Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs. Social Studies (State-Specific Standards): Deeper understanding of history and cultures, possibly through integration with language arts and projects. Arts: Concluding with comprehensive projects that integrate multiple subjects, aligned with arts and crafts standards. This comprehensive course integrates a wide range of standards, with a strong alignment to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, as well as the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for science. Social Studies and Arts standards would generally follow state-specific guidelines, as these areas are not universally covered by the Common Core. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bonus: You get a 2024-2025 Homeschool Planner Canva KDP What's included in the Planner: Editable 2024-2025 Homeschool Planner Canva KDP Interior, You will get high quality print ready pdf files. Editable Canva Link you can Customize it based on your requirement. Ready to upload on amazon KDP. Specification : * Belongs To page * Editable Files * 2024 Calendar * 2025 Calendar * Weekly Tasks Tracker * Examination Schedule * Daily Homeschool Planner * Home school Report Card * Subject Lesson Plan * Daily Schedule * Daily Planner * Home Educ

Using a task analysis is essential in the Special Education classroom. Get a quick overview on what a task analysis is and how to use them in this post.

Making sure our students have enough math practice is vital. Thankfully, there are math websites that are great for special ed!

Learn about science curriculum created for self-contained special education classrooms by a real special education teacher!

Creating accessible board games embeds learning into play. Check out three ways to make board games accessible for all!

Paras in the special education classroom are essential for helping students reach their full potential. To ensure that paras can provide quality support to

Teachtown enCORE is a standards based curriculum for special education. It includes reading, math, writing, science, and social studies.

Comprehension of language in general can be very challenging for students in special education. Most of my students have been diagnosed with autism or another language based disability. As a result, understanding what others say to them, vocabulary and text comprehension is difficult. Here are 3 activities we do to help students understand language better. ... Read More about 3 Ways to Target Reading Comprehension In Special Education

We live in a digital world... technology is all around us! Our kiddos with disabilities should have the same opportunity to learn to use technology as students who are "typically developing." As special education teachers, it can be difficult to find ways that our kiddos can access technology. I've always loved switch activated cause and effect toys and games, but switch toys are expensive and my kids get bored of them after a few weeks of playing with them. When it comes to technology, I often prefer using a computer over an iPad because the computer screen is larger and I have many kiddos with vision impairments. So I've been on the hunt lately for FREE websites that my students can use with switches for simple games and cause and effect activities. First, before you even think of attaching a switch to your computer, you will need a switch interface. My district will loan out switch interfaces, but it's a NIGHTMARE to check stuff out and turn it back in, so I bought my own interface. I bought this X-keys interface for $53 and it works like magic! Better Living Through Technology has a great post explaining switch interfaces and what you'll need to get started using a switch with your computer. After you have the interface, you'll have to download the software and get it all hooked up (whatever interface you buy should explain this process). Shinylearning is amazing! The website is made specifically for kiddos with disabilities who use assistive tech (specifically switches and touch screen). The website has simple cause and effect games and also simple single switch games and the website words on computers and tablets. The website has some free games but you can purchase a subscription to get access to more games. SpecialBites is also awesome! The website has a variety of free switch games/ software that you can download to your computer and also free online games that don't require any download. The website also has a variety of levels of games (some are simply single switch cause and effect, some require timing, and some require multiple switches!). We love the free online games- just go to the website and click "free online games" on the left tabs and then you have a ton of options like sports games, angry pigs, sensory games and so much more! Our favorites are the soccer games, all of the easy fireworks sensory games, and angry pigs. Although FisherPrice is geared towards infants, toddlers and preschool age students, some of their free online games are perfect for switch toys and are really motivating to my kiddos. From the link, you can click on "online games" and then pick an age range and explore. Two games that work great with switches and that my kids LOVE are the Laugh & Learn Peek-a-Boo Game and the Rainforest Peek-a-Boo Game. They're perfect for single switches/ cause and effect! If you know other websites that are great for switch toys, PLEASE share them in the comments! I would love more ideas and I know others reading this would too!

IEP Laws and Regulations Several years ago, I was at a fundraiser. It was for an agency that assists disabled people. So, naturally, they had

Google Apps for Education, also known as the G Suite for Education, are transforming how teachers use technology in the classroom. In this this #2ndaryELA Twitter chat, middle school and high school English Language Arts teachers discussed how they use Google Classroom and other applications as part of their instruction. Read through the chat for ideas to implement in your own classroom.

What do you do when you learn that your child has dyslexia? Should you hide this diagnosis to protect them from labels and misunderstandings, or should you tell them? If you do decide to tell them, how do you do this? Can you help them to overcome any potential fears or misunderstandings? These are the questions that I will answer in this blog that includes kid-friendly graphics. What are the Benefits of Telling Your Child That He or She Has Dyslexia? Educating your child with dyslexia about the common signs and misconceptions can help them to: understand that they learn in a different way than other kids that don’t have dyslexia. shed negative labels such as stupid, careless, unmotivated and lazy. correct any misunderstandings. identify with other successful people that have or had dyslexia. acquire the needed intervention and instruction in school. learn that many people with dyslexia have strengths that others do not have. Individuals with dyslexia are often: great at communicating their ideas aloud. creative, critical thinkers. good at seeing the big picture. excellent at solving puzzles and building things. If you want to learn more about dyslexia consider reading: The Dyslexic Advantage Overcoming dyslexia Help your Child Understand Dyslexia by Reviewing the Eleven Common Signs Show your child the image below and read the list out loud. Ask them to identify which symptoms describe their difficulties. You have or had trouble with letter reversals (b and d) and words reversals (was and saw). You have or had troubles with reading aloud. You have or had trouble with words problems in math. You have or had trouble understanding jokes, punchlines, sarcasm and inferences. You have or had trouble following a series of written or aural directions. You have or had trouble mispronouncing words. You have or had trouble rhyming words. You have or had trouble telling directions. You have or had trouble recalling names or words. You have or had trouble with spelling You have or had trouble learning how to read. What are Four Myths and Truths about Dyslexia? Show your child the graphic below and read the list of myths and truths out loud. Ask them to respond to each of the myths - "Have you ever felt this way?" Then read the truth and address any questions. Myth #1: People with dyslexia are not smart. Truth #1: Many dyslexic individuals are extremely bright and creative. In fact, many kids with dyslexia are gifted. Watch a video on famous people with dyslexia: Click Here Myth #2: People with dyslexia cannot learn to read or write. Truth #2: With the right intervention and instruction people with dyslexia can become excellent readers and writers. Myth #3: People with dyslexia see things backwards. Truth #3: Dyslexia is not a vision problem. It has to do with how the brain make sense of what is seen. Myth #4: People with dyslexia are lazy and should try harder. Truth #4: Kids with dyslexia learn differently. When they are asked to learn in a way that does not work well for them, it can take more time. Finding Multisensory Remedial Tools for Kids with Dyslexia: If you are looking for fun, creative and multisensory remedial materials, lessons and games created for learners with dyslexia, CLICK HERE. If you would like a free copy of these images CLICK HERE. Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning and Dyslexia Materials. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses. · Blog: https://learningspecialistmaterials.blogspot.com/ · YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/warrenerica1 · Podcast: https://godyslexia.com/ · Store: http://www.Goodsensorylearning.com/ & www.dyslexiamaterials.com · Courses: http://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/ · Newsletter Sign-up: https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/69400

Supporting kids with special needs works best when both regular education and special education staff work together. That's why it is helpful for all teachers to understand how they can modify and accommodate for students in their classrooms. For newer teachers, learning that you need to modify work

Whether you are a new teacher or a veteran, reviewing the foundational laws of our career can be incredibly helpful. Read on to discover.

Not so long ago, the internet and the use of technology in education were discussed as things of the future. Education professionals would often question the possibility and accessibility of…

Are you scrambling to navigate the virtual world of online teaching? Times have changed due to the Pandemic and special education teachers have a new set of challenges in teaching remotely. Here are tips to help you succeed in remote teaching special ed.

IEP goal bins will help you keep your students' goals and materials organized so you can focus on what's important: the students.

Although I didn’t prefer virtual teaching (did anyone?!), it did lead me to discover websites that I used in my classroom even when we weren’t strictly virtual anymore! I’ve compiled a list below of my favorite free websites I use in my special education classroom. I’m always looking for ways to increase engagement and interaction

Listen to this Special Ed Podcast with 15 great ideas for Functional Centers for students with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism in High School. Read more and subscribe today!

Make a quick and easy classroom schedule with this free editable template that I created in Google Sheets! It's perfect for visual schedules!

IEP Tubs, special education, IEP goals, IEP data, IEP activities, IEP objectives

Review of functional life skills curriculum for high school, transition, or middle school students in special education.

Using visuals in your special education classroom helps students with special needs know what is expected what is expected of them. This bundle includes TEN different visual resources to use with students who have special needs such as autism, sensory processing disorder, developmental disabilities, ADHD, etc. Resources included: Area of Interest Token Board "First, Then" visual picture schedule Daily Schedule Sheets Schedule Picture Icons "I am at -- center" visual cards Task initiation Choice Board Task initiation desired item "wait mat" Length of Break Choice Board Break Cards Break Length and Activity Choice Board Book Morning Jobs and Afternoon Jobs Visual

Teaching the scientific method to kids can be tough. Here are some modifcations to the classic steps of the scientific method for special eduacaiton students.