Autism

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

Autism Classroom Ideas

Making an Autism Classroom run successfully is tough and it can be hard to not fall into a Pinterest Black Hole of perfection. Here are… Read More »Autism Classroom Ideas

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

Transition Strategies to Stop Meltdowns

Are you working with students who have Autism? Students with transition issues? Or just students period. Lots of different types of kids can struggle with having to transition from activity to activity. It is a very unstructured process that isn’t good for everyone. What can you do? Try these transitions strategies to stop meltdown when it’s time to move on.

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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.

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.

Free Visual Supports for Students with Autism

You know you need visuals in your Autism Unit and when you work in any self-contained classroom, but which ones are the right ones? Here’s a roundup of FREE Visual Supports for Students with Autism for you to consider!

6 Mistakes Teacher in Autism Units Make from Noodle Nook

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 Teacher in Autism Units Make from NoodleNook1

6 Mistakes Autism Unit Teachers and Paras Make…

Fix #1: Stop Talking So Much!

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.

Social Skill Building Tips

Social Skill Building Tips for Students with Autism

You take your students out on a Community Based Trip and they… well, they stick out. You work in the classroom all the time to get your students to interact in socially appropriate ways, but it’s just not sticking when you get out in public. What can you do?