Skip to content

Blog Posts

Cerebral Palsy vs Autism - 7 Key Differences for Teachers

Cerebral Palsy vs Autism: 7 Key Differences Between Them

    Let’s face it… as a special education teacher, you never know what types of students will end up in your classroom. Disabilities and abilities will vary greatly from year to year and student to student. Understanding the differences between them can be the key to providing effective support and creating a positive and inclusive classroom. In this post, we’ll explore the key differences in cerebral palsy vs autism in detail. Then we’ll give you some specific strategies and ideas that will help you better support your students. Let’s dive in and help you to transform your classroom and instruction!

    Fine Motor Skills in Down Syndrome

    7 Ideas on Fine Motor Skills in Children with Down Syndrome

      As educators working with students who have significant disabilities, we know how essential it is to support their growth in various areas. Fine motor skills are the building blocks of daily activities, self-care skills, and communication, and they play a crucial role in a child’s ability to navigate the world. To do that effectively, we need some creative and effective ways to enhance fine motor skills in the classroom. Let’s dive into some ideas on developing fine motor skills in children with Down syndrome.

      Intellectual Disability versus Autism - Key Differences and Similarities

      Intellectual Disability vs Autism (The Main Differences)

        As a teacher, adjusting instruction and classroom management to meet the needs of students can be tough. It’s made even harder when students have a wide variety of disabilities in one classroom. In this post, we are going to dish on the main differences between individuals with an intellectual disability vs autism. Hopefully, this will help you set up an inclusive classroom that is responsive to student needs.

        Structured Classroom Layout in Special Ed - How to via Noodle Nook

        Structured Classroom Layout – FREE Checklist for SpEd Success

          Physical Structure is a pillar of structured classrooms- and I am always shocked at how many people get their structured classroom layout all wrong!

          If you’re gearing up to transform your classroom empty classroom into a dynamic space for students with special needs, there’s one thing you absolutely need for sure: To nail that physical structure! Your structured classroom layout is the secret weapon to make your year a success… and trust me, it’s easier than you think to do!

          Autism Independent Living Skills - Essential Life Skills for Special Ed via Noodle Nook

          9 Essential Life Skills for Students with Autism

            Living an independent life is a dream for every young adult, including those on the autism spectrum. However, achieving this goal requires mastering certain essential life skills. In this blog post, we’ll explore nine essential life skills for students with autism that can set them up for postsecondary success. From managing daily routines to handling money and social interactions, these autism independent living skills will empower individuals with autism (and those with an array of other developmental disabilities or intellectual disabilities) to confidently navigate adult life. If you are a special education teacher, grab a pen and paper… Let’s dive in and discover how these functional life skills can lead to greater independence and fulfillment in everyday life.

            Stress Free Back to School Transition Tips for Teachers

            Creating a Classroom Paradise: Stress-Free Back to School Transition Tips for Teachers

              Hey there, teachers! It’s that time of the year again – back to school! We know how important it is to start the new year on the right foot. Target has had the school supplies set up since basically the last day of school. I guess that means our poolside vaca is over. No worries.  We’ve got your back with some awesome stress-free back to school transition tips for teachers, just like you. Let’s dive right in!

              Data collection teacher tips in special ed

              Data Collection Tips for Teachers: Hacks for Tracking Progress in Special Education

                Hey there, awesome teachers in special education! Are you ready to conquer data collection like a pro? Don’t worry; I’ve got some nifty tricks up my sleeve that will make tracking progress a breeze! Let’s dive in and discover how to make data fun and helpful in your classroom. Ready? Let’s go!
                Step 1: Set Clear Goals and Objectives 🎯
                Start by setting clear goals and objectives for your students.

                Best Back to School Tips for Special Education Teachers

                10 Best Back to School Tips for Special Education Teachers

                  Hey there, SpedTacular SpEducator! It’s that time of the year again—the back-to-school season is just around the corner. As you gear up for another exciting year of shaping young minds, we’ve got your back with the 10 best back to school tips for special education teachers just like you. So, grab your highlighters (and the beverage of your choice) and prepare to kick off the upcoming school year on the right foot. We’ve got your to-do start-of-school checklist ready to go!

                  Practice special education administrator interview questions

                  Top Special Education Administrator Interview Questions

                    The special education administrator is crucial for the success and well-being of students with special needs. If you are a special education teacher in a leadership role on your campus, you may be looking to take the next step in your career. Applying for a special education administrator position could be the perfect opportunity. In this blog post, we’ll provide some great tips and examples that will help you answer special education administrator interview questions like a boss and make sure everyone knows you are the best choice!

                    showcasing hands-on teaching activities for composing and decomposing numbers.

                    Engaging Activities for Composing and Decomposing Numbers

                      During a teacher appreciation week, I found myself up early strolling through a big box store trying to find a perfectly practical yet thoughtful gift for my amazing teacher team. Excitement washed over me as I found the perfect insulated mugs. Only one problem. There were only three. I hunted down a store employee and asked them if they had any more in the back because I could only find three but I needed eight. To my surprise, the employee asked, “Well, how many more do you need then?” At that moment, rather caught off guard, I realized how important math fluency is in everyday situations. That’s why there’s immense value in incorporating activities for composing and decomposing numbers in your classroom.