No Prep Task Boxes
Okay, I like to make task boxes. A lot. Every time I am in the Dollar Tree, I think I make another one. I like… Read More »No Prep Task Boxes
Academics
Helping Students Overcome Holiday in Autism Units
You’ve worked on good routines and procedures for weeks now… and in the blink of Holiday Vacation, all your hard work will be undone. Here… Read More »Helping Students Overcome Holiday in Autism Units
Morning Routines in Autism Classrooms
We all have routines. I definitely have one. Before I even get into the classroom, I have a routine of things I do to get… Read More »Morning Routines in Autism Classrooms
Parent Engagement in Autism Units
Parent Engagement in Autism Units
As teachers in self contained classes or Autism Units, we are tasked with being care takes, educators, advocates, surrogates, and darn near family for each student we work with. Sometimes we can start to forget that fostering a friendly relationship with parents is also part of the job. Parent engagement in Autism units is important. So how can you do those little things that help parents feel involved, help you grow a stronger relationship, and provide moms and dads with a full experience as the parent of a school-aged kid.
Hurricane Harvey Help
Dear Readers and Friends, I need help. Like so many others in the Greater Houston area, I nearly fell to my knees this morning… Read More »Hurricane Harvey Help
Survive and Thrive in a Self Contained Classroom
Survive and Thrive in a Self Contained Classroom
When I walked into my first LIFE Skills classroom I was teaching so many different leveled students so many subjects (seemingly at the same time) I really didn’t know where to start. Like a lot of new teachers, I thought I could teach in self contained like I taught before- whole groups where I “performed” and called students to perform back on cue. Problem is self contained does NOT work that way. When you ask for a performance, you’ll likely get something you did not anticipate. I was in the classroom with non-responsive students, high functioning Autistic students, emotionally disabled students with a bevy of behavior problems, and students with Down Syndrome and varying levels of functioning depending on the task. I had a hard time planning lessons. After much trial and error, I found that the following things were absolutely necessary to survive and thrive in a self contained classroom.
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Adapted Books in Autism Units
Wanting to add more and meaningful activities to your classroom?
Have you tried adapted books?
Learn more about using adapted books in Autism Units!
Using Adapted Books in Autism Units
I love adapted books. LOVE! They are one of my favorite tools in Autism classrooms. When it comes to working on basic skills, advanced concepts, content area ideas, or even personal information, adapted books are a great way to effectively target specific skills in a way that is engaging for students.
Laminating Hacks for Teachers
Are you looking for a cheap and easy alternative to laminating pouches? We’ve got 5 laminating hacks for teachers plus a bonus you can find in your kitchen!
6 Mistakes Autism Unit Teachers and Paras Make
Working with students in self-contained settings or those with severe or multiple disabilities is hard. I see the same teacher mistakes in special education classrooms over and over. Teachers and paraeducators don’t realize the consequences. I would actually argue that these 6 teacher mistakes are signs of poor classroom management and ineffective teaching of special education students.
Do you do any of these? STOP!
If you stop these 6 mistakes in the classroom, your special education students will be the better for it- I promise!
6 Mistakes Autism Unit Teachers and Paras Make…
Fix #1: Stop Talking So Much!
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Autism Classroom Setup
Autism Classroom Setup: 10 Things Every Autism Classroom Teacher Needs from Amazon
The other day I was walking in Wal-Mart and I was so sad to see back to school stuff! Fourth of July picnic and party supplies are not even on final clearance yet… why are they reminding me that school will be back in session before I can even toast my buns on the grill and down my summer adult beverage.
The one thing that does satisfy my summer relaxation and obsession with school perfection is shopping for school supplies. I have even taken to letting my kids order their school stuff on Amazon as opposed to schlep the whole crew to the store and fight the impulse buys and the marker boxes that are not exactly what was on the back to school list. They like it and with my Amazon Prime subscription, it comes to my house shipping-free and hassle-free.
This year is the first time I will order my back to school essentials from Amazon as well. With all the browsing and price comparison, I thought I’d share my order top 10 so you can see what I think are essentials for every teacher in Autism Units or Self-Contained settings.
