I get people reaching out all the time to ask about special ed classroom setup ideas or tips on how to set up an autism class the right way. I wanted to put together a quick list of essentials for a new teacher in self-contained because Taylor emailed me that exact question. See my response to her below.
Hi Ayo,
I have been teaching as the general education teacher in inclusive elementary classrooms for the past 5 years. This upcoming year, I am switching to become the K-3 Intervention Specialist in a self-contained classroom. I have LOVED your blog, TPT page, and podcasts. They are so helpful as I transition from a gen-ed to a SPED teacher. Thank you!!
As a teacher new to the self-contained setting, I’m wondering what are some of the most important items I should purchase for my classroom? I already have books, pillows, fidgets, and pretty much anything you would find in a general education classroom. What are some of the most important items for a self-contained room? It could be tools to help with sensory needs, special items for visual cues, specific flexible seating, and so on. What do you view as “must haves” in your classroom? Any advice would be so appreciated!
Thanks, Taylor
SpEd Classroom Essentials
Hey Taylor!
Congratulations on becoming “one of us“, lol! Sounds like you are bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to our special ed team and I am glad to hear it.
When it comes to special ed classroom setup ideas outside of those amazing essentials you’ve already mentioned, it is sometimes necessary to see what your students are like. No two self-contained rooms are the same. In fact, one room can look and feel vastly different year to year as the student and staff dynamic changes. Have you had a chance to meet your team or learn more about your students? Being able to do that will better guide your setup and purchases.
With that said, you would be wise to have lots of visuals at hand. I suggest the following:
- Token Boards (read more about those here)
- Visual Schedule
- Calm Down Corner (if you think you will have those behaviors from students, though I have found cool-down areas work at all ages). Read more about that here.
In addition, you will want to have classroom basics like:
- Classroom Timer or Online Timer
- Laminator
- Laminating Pouches
- Velcro
- Plastic Sleeves and
- Dry Erase Markers
- 3-Drawer Bin for organizing materials
For specifics in the self-contained classroom, you will probably need:
- Things like busy bags or task boxes (to keep students occupied while you work in small groups or deal with specific students). Try my FREE dollar store work tasks to see if you like it.
- Sensory bins and sensory tools are super handy (like sensory bottles, tactiles and oral tools).
- Music Station with an option for noise-cancelling headphones if possible is handy too for calming and positive rewards (and you may want noise reduction headphones around too).
- AND a super solid plan of station rotations or center-based learning that will allow you to meet needs in a consistent and organized way. You may want to include some file folder type tasks to keep students engaged in learning while at an ‘independent’ station or reviewing skills while not in a direct instruction center.
New Teacher Setup…
This is not an exhaustive list of special ed classroom setup ideas. It is a pretty good list of things you’ll need in the beginning. It’s also a great start if you’re looking for some inspiration and ways to prep.
As I mentioned, so much of this depends on the students in your class and their individual needs. You may find you need more rigorous academics, more sensory tools, or more functional skill-building once you meet your students.
Either way, most of the items on this list work in every classroom and should set you up for success.
Ayo at Noodle Nook
P.S. In light of setting up for remote learning, I have found I also needed these items in my at-home office so that I could better teach online. I have upgraded my office to include:
- Canon Vixia 800 to record video lessons for flipped and anytime learning PLUS I hook it up as a webcam too! I know you can always use your phone. Honestly, I need my phone for other things and with the camcorder, I can leave my setup “ready” all the time.
- Video Capture Card and Adapter Easy and simple little thing plugs into your computer to relay the camcorder’s video. You can find lots of YouTube videos that will walk you through setting it up.
- Ring Light Kit to brighten up my area and, truth be told, it makes me look less stressed, lol.
- Tablet Desk Stand I’d have never thought of this as an essential, but I use it every day. You can put a tablet in it to make it into an overhead display as you video conference. I also use it to hold my phone to meet while I have my computer “free”. I just like that it adjusts into so many positions and has a weighted bottom to keep it from tipping over.
Good luck setting up and may the odds be ever in your favor😉!
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