What do you do when you discover that teaching special education can be overwhelming? It’s 8am and I have just arrived at school for the day. Coffee…check, Converse…check, Walkie Talkie…check. The day begins with support staff helping students coming in from the buses eager to start their day (usually). This day, one student comes in […]
Tag: special education blog
How to Organize Task Boxes in Special Education
Why teachers use task boxes Before we get in to ways to organize task boxes, it is important to understand why we need them. There are many reasons for teachers of all subjects to use task box cards in their classrooms. Primary teachers use these as activities to reinforce concepts, as early finisher activities, and […]
Kitchen Skills: Christmas Cookies In a High School Special Education Class
Start with Kitchen Skills Kitchen skills are among the most important life skills that students in a special education program learn. Whether they are going to be working, attending a day program, or participating in community activities, students benefit when they know how to make something to eat and how to do so safely in […]
Writing IEP Goals for Special Education Teachers
How to Write IEP Goals An important part of the role of a special education teacher is writing IEP goals. Last week, we talked about how to decide on IEP goals for your students for the semester or year. If you missed it, check it out here. This week, we are going to go through […]
IEP Goals: How to Choose Them
How to Choose IEP Goals One of the most challenging aspects of teaching in a special education classroom is determining IEP goals. This aspect of the program is very specific to each student and needs to be done in such a way that it is focused on where students are planning to be when they […]
Creating a Job Skills Task Box for High School Special Education
As I am getting ready for the new school year I have been thinking about resources and concepts that are super important in a special education classroom. One of those things, especially in a high school program, is functional job skills. Specifically, job skills task box activities for high school students. Ultimately for high school […]
Teaching Money Skills in a Special Education Program
In today’s fast-paced world, teaching money skills is more important than ever, especially for individuals with exceptionalities. A big part of special education is supporting students as they develop confidence and independence. Financial literacy is a crucial life skill that requires a lot of scaffolding and practice on the way to mastery. Keep reading to […]
Social Stories for Teens
Social stories are a powerful tool used to support, teach, and guide autistic teens through various social situations. They are short, simple narratives, usually including corresponding images and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) sentences, that describe a situation, skill, or concept in terms of relevant social cues, perspectives, and common responses. Here is an example […]
Social Skills: 5 Games To Use In Your Special Education Classroom
Social skills are a key element to any Autism and/or Special Education program. In the world of special education, games are more than just a source of entertainment. They can be powerful tools for learning and development, especially for students on the autism spectrum. Social skills games, in particular, can provide a safe and enjoyable […]
How to Use a Visual Schedule at Home and in the Classroom
A visual schedule is a tool that is used with exceptional students (especially those students who are diagnosed with Autism) which can help them to manage transitions, reduce anxiety, increase independence, and follow routines.