Hi Reader! For several years, I gathered all of my students on the carpet and had them help dictate while I wrote out our morning message during morning meeting. But, I finally realized that this was a waste of time for my classroom of mostly non-readers. Once I was finished with each daily message none of my kids could re-read what I had written and it really was not meaningful at all! Plus, many of them lost focus because they did not understand what I was writing or even what I was asking....
13 days agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader! Can you believe the back to school season is upon us? This was the fastest summer EVER! But I am excited for another year ahead. Some of my favorite activities this time of year include: reading No, David! by David Shannon with my students (they giggle the whole time!) π creating a classroom mission statement with my students π teaching essential school vocabulary with games such as scavenger hunts, vocabulary fishing, BINGO, and board games π To learn more about what Back to...
27 days agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader! In my role as an autism and low-incidence coach, I support hundreds of teachers each year. And a common concern I hear again and again is teachers feeling ill-prepared to manage their paraprofessionals in the classroom. I get it! So much of our undergraduate training focuses on working with our students (obviously!) but very little if any helps us work with our paraprofessionals! π΅π«π΅π« During my time in the classroom, I developed a variety of tools to train my paraprofessionals and...
about 1 month agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader! Can I let you in on a little secret? I hate communication notebooks for communicating with parents. Like HATE HATE them. I think they are ineffective, time-consuming, and often turn negative. π
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βοΈ Learn more about why I ditched them in my blog post by clicking the button below. Miss Allison's SpEd Spot Blog But I am not one to identify a problem and not find a solution! The blog post also gives some effective ways to communicate with parents including my Differentiated...
about 2 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader! As an intervention specialist coach working in over 42 districts, I have seen time and time again that new teachers aren't anywhere near equipped to get started in the self-contained special education classroom. There are SO MANY factors that we truly aren't prepared for from curriculum mapping to managing paras to meeting sensory needs to setting up our daily schedules to creating visual supports... the list truly could go on and on. π₯ But instead of admiring the problem, I am...
about 2 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader! For many SpEd teachers, scheduling can be one of the most overwhelming parts of heading back to school. Can I let you in on a little secret?? It is actually one of my favorite things! (I know, I know NERD ALERT!π€) I just love the challenge and the systemic way it can all fit together. Scheduling Sequence I actually created a sequence of steps that I always followed when scheduling: Non-Negotiables: arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, specials, etc. Daily Routines: unpacking and...
2 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader! Are you tired? Stupid question I knowβ¦π₯± You spend nights and weekends planning and prepping and grading because you want whatβs best for your students. You put yourself last time and time again. Am I right? Well, I have good newsβ¦ Reclaim your time AND have amazing lessons that keep your students engaged and learning! And you donβt have to spend a fortune to do itβ¦π And I have GREAT NEWS... to show our appreciation for everything you do to ensure a strong finish to the school year...
4 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader! The end of the school year is in sight! No alarm clocks, no staff meetings, and all the Vitamin D you can stand! π You can ALMOST feel those summer vibes, right? If it werenβt for that pesky to-do list that just keeps growing and growing andβ¦ughβ¦ I know youβre stressed and busy doing all the things but make sure you add βSHOP TPT SALEβ to the top of your to-do list! Starting today, every single resource in my store is 25% off! Just use the TPT promo code: THANKYOU25 to save 25% on...
4 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi Reader! I can't hide it. I am a planner! I am always reflecting and determining my next steps. As the school year comes to a close I am already making plans for next year! I want to help you plan too! First, I want to let you in on the secret...TPT is having a Two Day Sale, so mark your calendar!π Starting Tuesday, May 6th, every single resource in my store will be 25% off with the code: THANKYOU25. Nowβs the time to stock up on all those resources and bundles to plan ahead (maybe for next...
4 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read