If our job is to help students grow in independence, let's start by setting up a space that's made for them to work toward that goal! Here are some ways you can set up your self-contained classroom for maximum independence. Your students will be building endurance, confidence, and independent living skills! Create Visual Boundaries and Areas It all starts with how you place the furniture in your classroom. Your tables, desks, flexible seating, cabinets, and bookshelves... arrange ... continue reading...
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Reducing back to school behavior challenges with predictable routines
Back to school is an exciting but chaotic time for teachers, students, and families. All the changes can trigger behavior challenges in all students, especially those in a self-contained setting. Read on to learn some strategies to reduce those behaviors by having a predictable routine for different times throughout the day. Arrival and morning routines Students should know what is expected of them from the moment they walk in your classroom door. While this takes time, it is important ... continue reading...
How to Rotate Centers Without Losing Your Mind
Centers in your self-contained or general education classroom can seem intimidating to start. The first step is coming up with a consistent routine and teaching students how to follow that routine. There are many moving parts to centers to ensure it is all planned for. There could be any number of centers in your classroom. For example, you might have 4 centers or you might have 6 centers. Each of those centers takes time to teach not only the students but also the adults how to rotate ... continue reading...
Differentiation in Centers: Simple Ways to Meet Every Student’s Needs
Special Education Teachers and Related Service Professionals know differentiation well! Especially in a self-contained special education class like mine, each student's academics, life skills, social skills, and self-management goals are differentiated to meet their specific needs. If you have a large caseload of students, differentiating every single thing can take up a lot of your prep time, after school, and even on weekends. Here are a few of my simple ways that I differentiate to meet my ... continue reading...
New Teachers
How to create a calm corner that actually get used
Creating a calm corner can be beneficial for all students, especially those in a self-contained setting. It can be used to help students regulate and process their emotions. The calm corner can also ... continue reading...
A Course that Changed the Way I Setup my Classroom
It's nearing that time again to start thinking about our classroom setups for next year. There are lots of moving pieces when setting up a self-contained classroom. It is not just the floorplan ... continue reading...
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5 Fun and Easy Centers to Launch in the First Week of School
The first week of school is all about creating routines and expectations for students. This helps set you up for a successful school year! At the same time, we want to get to know our students, both ... continue reading...
5 Visual Tools You Need for Your Self-Contained Classroom
Visual tools are crucial for success in self-contained classrooms! So many of our students struggle with verbal-only directions. Pairing oral instructions with visual supports such as pictures, ... continue reading...
In Case You Missed It
Reducing Back-to-School Behavior Challenges With Predictable Routines
Predictable routines and consistent schedules are more important than you might think! Routines are intended to assist students with expectations, reduce behaviors, and keep disruptions to a ... continue reading...
10 Transition Tips for Special Education Classrooms
Transitions throughout the school day can be difficult for students with special needs. Read on to learn some tips for facilitating smooth transitions in the classroom. Students love to choose ... continue reading...