Summer break is almost over for most of us and the new year is right around the corner. If you are like me you are preparing for this to be the best year ever! If you are transitioning to, or starting the year, in an ECSE classroom you may be a little nervous about all the changes that are bound to happen.

In this week’s episode I am chatting with Ashley from Spedtacular Days about her experiences moving from middle school to a Pre-K classroom. With her 11 years of experience she is giving strategies that work and will help you support your younger students. 

In this episode you will learn:

• How to make Play based learning work in your classroom

• Tips for keeping the younger students focused and learning

• How to connect with parents from the very beginning of the year

• How to maximize the use of your Para

• How to create a schedule that works

• Ideas for finding new toys without spending a ton of money

Links and Resources

• {FREE} How to Plan Your Year Out Month by Month Webinar

• Lesson Plan Templates

• Welcome Back Packet

• Sub Plan Templates

• Schedule Templates

• Learn More about Exceptional Collective

Connect with Ashley

Spedtacular Days Facebook

Spedtacular Days Instagram

Spedtacular Days Website

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

Etsy Shop

TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

A schedule is defined as “a plan for carrying out a process or procedure, giving lists of intended events and times”. In special education we are all about processes and procedures that benefit our students. Using schedules is one of those things that has many benefits.

In this week’s episode I am sharing the whats, hows and whys of schedules. You will come away knowing the importance of using schedules in the SPED classroom.

In this episode you will learn:

• What should be included in a schedule

• How to use them

• The benefits to students and teachers

• Why you should allow for flexibility and adjustments

Links and Resource

{FREE} How to Plan Your Year Out Month by Month WebinarLearn More About the Exceptional CollectiveUsing Schedules in Special Education Classrooms BlogEtsy Store for Special Ed Stickers and Teacher Tees

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

Etsy Shop

TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Have you ever noticed there sometimes seem to be a gap between the special education teacher and general education teacher when it comes to accommodations and modifications? In order to best serve our students with disabilities we must bridge that gap. But how?

In this week’s episode I am chatting with Tim Kretchman from Action Driven Education about all things accommodations, modifications and collaboration. He is sharing what 23 years in multiple positions in education has taught him about making it work in the classroom so your students reach success.

In this episode you will learn:

• The difference between accommodations and modifications and how to explain it to a general education teacher

• What Goldilocks and the 3 Bears has to do with being a special ed teacher

• How to truly treat your students as individuals when considering accommodations and modifications

• About the benefits of engaging the child when choosing accommodations and modifications as they grow older

Links and Resources

• {FREE} How to Plan Your Year Out Month by Month Webinar

• Lesson Plan Templates

• Welcome Back Packet

• Sub Plan Templates

• Schedule Templates

• Using Schedules in Special Education Classrooms Blog
• Mastering Special Education Lesson Plans: Your Ultimate Guide Blog
• The Power of Special Education Lesson Plan Templates Blog

Connect with Action Driven Education

Action Driven Education Website

Action Driven Education Blog

Action Driven Education Newsletters

Action Driven Education Facebook

Action Driven Education Instagram

Action Driven Education LinkedIn

Tim’s Email

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

Etsy Shop

TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Lesson plans…love them or hate them they are a part of a teacher’s life and there is no way around it. While different schools require different types of plans, you need something to know what you are working on in the coming days. I have written every style of lesson plans and finally feel like I have a good handle on what works to keep me organized and keep my class flowing like it should.

In this week’s episode I am sharing what works for me as I take a deep dive into special education lesson plans. I am also sharing some pretty exciting news that you don’t want to miss about a new membership I am offering…guaranteed to make your life easier!

In this episode you will learn:

• How to set up lesson plans

• What to include in your lesson plans

• The importance of curriculum mapping

• How lesson plan templates allow for comprehensive instruction

Links and Resources

• {FREE} How to Plan Your Year Out Month by Month Webinar

• Lesson Plan Templates

• Welcome Back Packet

• Sub Plan Templates

• Schedule Templates

• Using Schedules in Special Education Classrooms Blog
• Mastering Special Education Lesson Plans: Your Ultimate Guide Blog
• The Power of Special Education Lesson Plan Templates Blog

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

Etsy Shop

TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Can you believe that it is almost July? For me that means that my summer break is halfway over and I know that many of you are in the same space as me. I always take June to refill my cup and focus on my family, but when July rolls around I begin to put my teacher hat back on and think about the beginning of the school year. But knowing where to start on the checklist can sometimes feel overwhelming..especially for new teachers.

In this week’s episode, I am chatting with Dr. Martha Briseno from Building Bridges about how you can rock the beginning of the school year. She is sharing practical tips based on years of experience to get you started!

In this episode you will learn about:

• The need to create a schedule

• How to develop an action plan with goals

• Why you need to start the year organized

• The benefits of creating emergency sub plans

Links and Resources

PLAAFP templateCulturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain BookEtsy Shop for Teacher Tees and StickersSpecial Education Teacher Organization Kit 

Connect with Martha Briseno

Building Bridges Instagram

Building Bridges Instagram

[email protected]

Building Bridges Facebook

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

Etsy Shop

TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Thinking about all the things you need to start a new school year can be overwhelming. You know there are supplies and materials you need to create a classroom that is safe and interactive and organized and… Then once you’ve made your list of everything you need - the list that just keeps getting longer - you realize creating that classroom of your dreams is going to be expensive.  

But it doesn’t have to be. 

There are items that are true “must-haves” and others that will make your life easier and your students’ lives more engaging and meaningful. And I’m going to tell you all about them. I’m also going to share with you some creative ways to get some of these items at no cost to you. 

In this episode, I share my favorites and must-haves for SPED teachers and classrooms including:

• Staples I use throughout the school year 

• Classroom set-up for centers and stations 

• Sensory activities and supplies

• Paperwork systems 

• How to set up a wishlist on Amazon 

Links and Resources

Special Ed Essentials 

Special Ed Teacher Essentials

Sensory Essentials For Calming Down

 Math & ELA Manipulative/ Task Box Ideas

Set up YOUR Amazon Wishlist Instructions Video 

New Special Ed Teacher Tips

Amazon Wishlist Directions

Special Ed Forms:

Input Sheets

Snapshots

Easy Grading Rubric 

Meet the Case Manager

Caseload Documentation

Connect with Dawn

IEP Blueprint Freebie

My TPT Products

My Distance Learning Products

Find me on IG

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Are you a special educator who is struggling to find professional development that makes sense? A PD that actually helps you in your day to day in the classroom? Well, then you are in luck! This summer I am teaming up with Jen from Teach, Love, Autism, Heather from Full Sped Ahead and Ashley from Spedtacular Days to give you bite-sized PD that you can apply right away in your classroom. 

In this week’s episode we are all sharing our favorite things about the group, what topics we will be covering and how you can join in for FREE! We hope that you join us and find the community and support that you need.

Links and Resources

Special Ed Socials Facebook Group

Jen’s Teach, Love, Autism Instagram

Heather’s Full Sped Ahead Instagram

Ashley’s Spedtacular Days Instagram

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

Etsy Shop

TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

As special education teachers, we understand the profound impact sensory processing differences can have on our students' engagement and learning. It's essential for us to understand and address these differences effectively. So, what exactly are sensory processing differences?

Sensory processing differences refer to the way individuals perceive and respond to sensory information from their environment. Some students may be hypersensitive and find certain stimuli overwhelming, while others may be hyposensitive and have difficulty noticing or responding to sensory input. For students with autism, sensory processing differences are especially common.

Sensory activities create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment. Here are a few examples:

1. Fidget Tools: Providing students with fidget tools such as stress balls, textured pencils, or putty can help them regulate their sensory input and maintain focus.

2. Sensory Breaks: Integrating short sensory breaks into the daily schedule is essential. These breaks can include activities like stretching exercises, deep breathing exercises, or even a brief walk to the sensory room.

3. Sensory Bins: Setting up sensory bins filled with materials like rice, sand, or beans allows students to explore different textures, improving their tactile sensitivity and promoting relaxation.

Links and Resources

Extended School Year Bundle

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

Etsy Shop

TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful! 

High school comes with its own set of challenges for everyone. This is especially true when working with students with moderate to severe disabilities. There are so many life skills that need to be taught and mastered that it can feel overwhelming for the teacher. We sometimes wish that there was a guidebook to get us headed in the right direction.

In this week’s episode, I am chatting with Shari Pierce. She is a retired special education teacher after 33 years in the self-contained classroom. Shari recently authored a book with ideas, suggestions, and actionable advice on topics that are concerning to parents and teachers of the intellectually disabled.

In this episode you will learn:

• The benefits of involving the families of your students when deciding what skills to focus on in the classroom.

• How to use hands-on, actionable activities to teach them new things.

• How to incorporate multiple life-skills into basic activities.

• About what skills you should focus on the most.

Links and Resources

Life Skills: A Handbook for Parents and Teachers of the Intellectually Disabled

Connect with Shari Pierce

Shari’s Facebook

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

Etsy Shop

TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

As special education teachers, we know how important it is to keep our students engaged and learning, especially as we head into the summer months. Using some fun summer activities can be a great way to promote engagement and learning, while also giving students a break from traditional work. These activities can also help promote social and emotional skills, such as teamwork and self-confidence. 

In this episode you will learn:

• The benefits of creating fun learning opportunities to close out your year.

• How to create a summer memory book for your students.

• How to host a game day in your classroom.

• About summer themed art projects that are fun and easy to do.

Links and Resources

Board Games in Special Education Blog

Beach Themed Escape Room

Community Based Virtual Field Trips

5 End-of-Year Activities in Special Education Classrooms Blog

FREE End of Year Agenda Slides

Connect with Dawn

Find me on IG

Find me on Tik Tok

Etsy Shop

TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!