Data collection on IEP goals is one of the most important tasks a special education teacher takes on because it helps us plan for interventions and monitor student progress. But it is also one of the most tedious tasks we do!  Over the years, I have created a system for organizing my IEP goal progress monitoring that has made it easier to set up, implement, and even delegate!  The first step is designating a binder for each student on your caseload. I prefer using colored binders because I color-code each of my students' materials each year.  In the very front of the binder, I include an IEP at a Glance. We use IEP Anywhere so they luckily create this for us! I also include any essential medical or behavior plans for that student.  Then, I get pocket dividers for each subject I will be monitoring. This is a great way to organize the different subjects but my favorite part is the pocket. This is where I store all of my work samples. Then, at the end of each quarter wh......

Whether you’re new to working with paras or just want to up your game, one of the trickiest times to manage multiple adults within the classroom is during large group activities. Find the perfect balance of support and reducing verbal clutter using my top tips. From initial training to communication hacks, I’ve got your back—and your para’s too....

Each week in my special education classroom we do cooking and craft extension activities related to our thematic unit. We have had a lot of fun over the years with all of our different projects!  I have found that  incorporating cooking activities into my special education classroom offers a hands-on approach to teaching essential skills including:...

The holiday season is a magical time in any classroom, but it can be especially meaningful in a special education setting. Planning December activities in special education means blending festive fun with functional learning goals. Whether you're looking for winter-themed academic tasks tailored to IEP goals, holiday crafts for family gifts, or fun classroom games for the busy season, December offers endless opportunities to engage your students in creative, structured, and joyful ways....

December is my favorite month in the classroom. Yes, I admit it can be a bit chaotic with the holiday parties and overall excitement but it is a lot of fun and there are so many fun themes that we do each year. Each year, I start with our gingerbread theme. Below are my favorite gingerbread activity ideas from my special education classroom. ...

I love October!! It is my favorite month. Fall is here 🍂, decorations are up🎃, and it's my birthday month 🎂!  October is also a fun time in the classroom. Each year we take a field trip to a farm for a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and hayride! It is a great way to kick off the month.  It is one of my favorite months for our thematic units too. We finish our Apples Unit from September, then go into Fall & Leaves, and end the month with Halloween of course!  Click to find this unit in my TPT store! Click to find this unit in my TPT store! My favorite books for Halloween are Big Pumpkin and The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything. One year on our hayride at the farm they did a "spooky storytime" and did the Little Old Lady with props. It was SO MUCH FUN! And was a great way to get the kids engaged.  Click to find this book unit in my TPT store! Click to find this book unit in my TPT store! Some fun Halloween crafts we have done was a group pumpkin pinat......