Hey friends! Today we’re getting into the real stuff, behavior plans that actually work. Not just the ones that check a box or look good at a meeting, but plans that truly support our students (and us!) in the day-to-day chaos of special education life.

I’m sharing exactly how to build behavior plans that are neuro-affirming, doable, and focused on connection over compliance. If you've ever stared at a blank behavior form thinking, "How do I even start?" this episode is for you.

Why punishment-based plans fall flat, and what to do instead

How to identify the real reason behind behavior (spoiler: it’s not always what it looks like)

How to write clear, objective, trackable behavior goals

What supports to build in before behavior happens

Why teaching replacement skills is non-negotiable

How to keep things simple, consistent, and doable for your whole team

Behavior is communication, your plan needs to reflect that.

Focus on support, not suppression.

Defining behavior clearly makes tracking and consistency possible.

Proactive supports (visuals, breaks, sensory tools) matter more than reactions.

Replacement behaviors must be modeled, practiced, and reinforced like crazy.

Your regulation plays a key role in your student’s success.

Ditch the Punishment Mindset
 ➡️ Shift from "stop this behavior" to "support this student."

Find the Function (The WHY)
 ➡️ Escape? Attention? Access? Sensory? Get curious before reacting.

Define the Behavior Clearly
 ➡️ Say exactly what it looks like, not just "meltdowns" or "aggression."

Support Meaningful Progress
 ➡️ Set goals that are realistic and focused on growth, not perfection.

Build in Proactive Supports
 ➡️ Visual schedules, break cards, co-regulation, pre-warnings… all the good stuff!

Teach a Replacement Behavior
 ➡️ Give them a better, easier, more effective way to meet the same need.

Stay Consistent + Take Data
 ➡️ Keep it simple. Just be consistent enough to spot patterns.

Reviewing a behavior plan this week?
Tell me how it goes! I’d love to hear from you over on Instagram, or come grab some of my ready-to-use visuals and planning tools.

Behavior plans aren’t about controlling kids.
They’re about understanding them.
They’re how we say, “I see you. I hear you. I want to help.”

And when we build them with compassion, curiosity, and calm, we don’t just change behavior.
We build trust. Connection. Safety.

And honestly? That’s the magic.

🎧 Hit play and learn how to create behavior plans that are practical, neuro-affirming, and actually make a difference.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, or send this to a fellow SPED teacher who’s in the trenches with you.

Hey hey! In this episode of Teaching Autism and Special Education, we’re keeping it simple, practical, and real, because let’s face it, none of us have time for behavior plans that require six hours, three meetings, and a laminator.

I’m sharing 5 quick-win strategies you can literally start using tomorrow. No Velcro, no prep, no late-night crafting. Just real solutions that support connection, reduce chaos, and actually work, especially for our neurodivergent students.

If your class has felt like a bit of a circus lately (been there!), this episode is your new best friend.

Why front-loading can change everything for anxious or overwhelmed students

How to stop behaviors before they happen with one powerful sentence

Why giving choices helps reduce power struggles (and doesn’t mean giving in)

How to identify missing skills behind challenging behavior

Why your own regulation is your most powerful classroom tool

Front-load like a pro: Predictability reduces anxiety.

Pre-correct: Set expectations before behavior kicks off.

Offer choices: Small choices = big empowerment.

Teach the skill: Don’t assume they know, teach what’s missing.

Regulate yourself first: Your calm becomes their calm.

Front-Load Everything
 ➡️ Use visuals, clear language, and routines to prep students for what’s ahead.

Pre-Correct Before You Redirect
 ➡️ Set them up for success by stating expectations ahead of time.

Offer Controlled Choices
 ➡️ Give options that work for both of you and reduce pushback.

Teach the Missing Skill
 ➡️ Identify what’s behind the behavior and teach the alternative.

Regulate Yourself First
 ➡️ You’re the thermostat. Your calm is contagious.

Trying one of these strategies this week?
Tell me how it goes, DM me on Instagram @teachingautism or tag me in your stories. I love hearing how you’re supporting your students with heart and intention.

Check out my behavior supports, visuals, and trainings.
You’ll find everything from task boxes to full-on toolkits designed to make your job easier (and your classroom calmer).

You don’t need to fix everything all at once.
Just try one new strategy this week.
Celebrate the small wins, because in our world, they’re everything.
And if no one told you today… you’re doing an amazing job.

🎧 Hit play now and walk into tomorrow feeling more prepared, more confident, and more connected with your students.
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a teammate who could use a little behavior boost!

Hey friends! In today’s episode, we’re diving into something we all deal with in the classroom: challenging behavior. But here’s the thing, what we often call “acting out” is actually communication.

So instead of asking, “What’s wrong with them?” let’s start asking, “What are they trying to tell me?”

From sensory overload to task refusal, I’m breaking down the common messages behind student behavior, and giving you practical, neuro-affirming ways to support them with compassion (not consequences). 💛

Why behavior is always communication (yes, always)

5 common reasons students “act out” (and what they might be trying to say)

How to flip the script from judgment to curiosity

Simple strategies to support students through challenging moments

Why co-regulation matters more than consequences

All behavior has a purpose, even if it’s not the one we expect.

Dysregulation isn’t a choice. It's a nervous system calling for help.

“Attention-seeking” is actually connection-seeking, and that’s not a bad thing.

Behavior data like ABC charts are your roadmap to understanding, not just paperwork.

You can’t teach a dysregulated child. Regulate first, teach second.

✔️ Use visuals, core boards, or single-word communication
✔️ Reduce environmental and sensory triggers
✔️ Teach replacement behaviors step-by-step
✔️ Track patterns with ABC observations
✔️ Stay curious, not reactive

Did this episode give you an aha moment?
Come find me on Instagram @teachingautism and let me know what clicked for you—or send me a DM! I love hearing your thoughts. 💬

Looking for behavior supports, communication visuals, or ready-to-use resources?
Check out everything I’ve got waiting for you over on my blog.

Your students aren’t giving you a hard time.
They’re having a hard time.
When we shift from “fixing behavior” to understanding communication, we transform not just our classrooms, but our relationships with the kids who need us most.

🎧 Listen now and start decoding behavior in a whole new way!
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow teacher who needs to hear it.

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m talking all about something that has completely transformed my classroom (and my sanity!) over the years - creating a calm and organized learning space.

If your classroom has ever felt like a whirlwind of noise, papers, and visual chaos — you’re not alone. I’ve been there. But over time, I’ve found that small, intentional changes can make a huge difference for both our students and us as teachers.

So today, I’m walking you through:

Why classroom environment matters so much (especially in SPED!)

How I structure my space to support regulation and focus

Tips for decluttering, lighting, routines, and setting up calming zones

Real examples from my own classroom and others

And how to get started without feeling like you have to do a total makeover

Let’s dive in!

🧠 Why Environment Matters
Our students are deeply impacted by their surroundings - from visual clutter to unpredictable noise. A calm, organized space helps:

Reduce sensory overwhelm

Support emotional regulation

Increase focus, communication, and engagement

Lower your stress too (because yes, you matter in this equation!)

🧹 Step 1: Declutter and Simplify

Keep what you actually use - donate the rest

Use clear bins and label everything

Limit visual distractions on walls - keep visuals purposeful
I’ve seen huge changes in classrooms just from removing a few extra posters or streamlining supply areas.

🧭 Step 2: Create Zones
Structure supports success! I share how to create:

A calm corner with soft lighting and sensory tools

A quiet work zone for independent tasks

A movement space to meet sensory regulation needs
And yes — I talk about my beloved “quiet work tent” and how much my students love it.

💡 Step 3: Use Lighting & Sound Intentionally
Lighting and sound affect classroom energy in big ways. Some simple strategies I use:

Use lamps or string lights instead of harsh overheads

Try background music, noise machines, or headphones

Post a visual noise-level chart for student reminders
You’ll hear how these changes helped students like Lily stay more engaged and regulated.

📆 Step 4: Build Predictable Routines
Structure brings safety. I share how to:

Use visual schedules to reduce anxiety

Create smoother transitions with timers, songs, and movement

Start the day calmly with predictable check-ins or greeting boards
These small shifts have made mornings smoother and built more connection in my classroom.

If you’re ready to calm the chaos, check out my Free Resource Library — it’s packed with over 200 free tools to help you simplify and organize your special ed classroom.

👉 Access the Free Resource Library

Creating a calm and organized classroom doesn’t have to happen all at once. Start small.
Maybe you declutter one shelf or set up a quiet space this week - and build from there.

Your space should work for you and your students - not overwhelm you.
Give yourself grace, experiment with what feels good, and know that it’s totally okay to evolve as your class changes.

I’d love to hear how you’re creating a calming space - tag me @teachingautism or send me a DM and let’s chat about your setup!

P.S. Don't forget to check out my Back to School Google Drive to help you get prepped for this new school year - and all the school years to come!

Thanks so much for hanging out with me today -
Until next time, stay calm, stay kind, and keep teaching. 💛
— Nikki

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite classroom hacks that brings joy, engagement, and so much hidden learning into the day - board games! 🎲

If you’re thinking, “Wait, board games… in my special ed classroom?” - I get it! But trust me, these games can be a total game-changer (pun 100% intended).
In this episode, I walk you through how I use board games to build social skills, academic knowledge, language, regulation, and more - and how I adapt them for all learners in my classroom.

I’m also sharing budget-friendly ways to build your own classroom game stash without breaking the bank-— and some of my best repurposing hacks for when games come with missing pieces (because… yep, it happens!).

💛 Why Board Games Belong in Special Ed
Board games are so much more than just fun - they help build:

Social skills (turn-taking, sharing, teamwork)

Language development (vocabulary, directions, conversations)

Executive functioning (planning, focus, problem-solving)

Fine + gross motor skills (spinners, dice, movement)

Academic reinforcement (colors, numbers, literacy)

Emotional regulation (learning to win/lose gracefully)

Sensory engagement (textures, movement, visual supports)

I even share a story about how Chutes and Ladders helped one of my students learn turn-taking with patience and joy!

🔧 How I Adapt Board Games for All Learners
Board games don’t always come classroom-ready — so here are my favorite ways to tweak them:

Simplify the rules

Add visual supports and picture cues

Swap tiny pieces for larger, sensory-friendly ones

Use cooperative play instead of competition

Add AAC or sentence starters for communication

Shorten wait times and offer role choices

Modify boards or enlarge components

We even created a custom Guess Who? board with pictures of our classmates — it was a HUGE hit and helped with social language, peer recognition, and descriptive vocabulary.

💸 Where to Find Board Games on a Budget
You don’t need to spend a fortune to build a great classroom game stash:

Ask friends/family (a simple Facebook post can work wonders!)

Thrift stores, yard sales, Facebook Marketplace

Buy Nothing groups and library sales

Dollar stores + clearance aisles

Parent donations (even games with missing pieces have value!)

Apply for grants like DonorsChoose

I’ve repurposed Scrabble tiles for spelling, Monopoly money for money skills, and even Jenga blocks for fine motor fun — nothing goes to waste!

If turn-taking is a challenge in your classroom (been there!), grab my free visual turn-taking tool from the Free Resource Library!

It includes editable cards you can personalize with student or staff photos — so students know exactly whose turn it is, with a clear visual cue.

👉 Access the Free Resource Library - over 200 free special ed resources waiting for you!

Board games are such a powerful way to build learning and connection in the special ed classroom - and they don’t have to be overwhelming or expensive.

So here’s my challenge for you:
Pick one board game - new or old - and try it out with your students this week.
Start small, make it fun, and adapt as needed. You’ll be amazed at the engagement and progress that comes from something as simple as playing a game together.

Let me know what you’re playing in your classroom - tag me @teachingautism, send me a DM, or email me your favorite board game hacks!

P.S. Don't forget to head over and leave your Amazon wish list as a comment for us to help clear your list too!

Thanks for listening — and until next time, happy gaming! 🎉
— Nikki

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m sharing one of the most underrated (but totally magical) ways I use task boxes in my classroom - to support calm-down time and emotional regulation.

When most people hear “task boxes,” they think academics - letter matching, counting, sorting colors… and yes, I love them for that too.
But today, I’m showing you how these little boxes can become absolute lifesavers during meltdowns, transitions, and emotionally wobbly moments.

From sensory supports to quiet fine motor tasks, I’m walking you through my go-to calm-down box ideas, how I organize and rotate them, and how I make it all work without adding stress.
And yes - I’ll share how my Task Box Library makes setting this up so much easier.

Let’s jump in!

💬 What Regulation Really Means in SPED
It’s not just about calming down after a meltdown - it’s:

Transition support

Brain breaks

Emotional reset

Building independence with self-regulation

And let’s be honest - some days I need a calm-down box too. 😂

💡 Why Task Boxes Work So Well for Regulation
The best regulation tools are:

Predictable

Visual

Low demand

Hands-on

Easy to use independently

And that’s exactly what task boxes are. 🙌

🎯 When I Use Calm-Down Boxes:

After emotional overwhelm

As a soft start to the school day

During transitions from high-demand activities

On rainy/stormy days when everyone’s a little dysregulated

In our calm-down space or at a quiet table

🧺 What Makes a Great Calm-Down Task Box?
I look for:

Repetitive motions

Simple, visual setups

Quiet or soothing sensory input

Tasks that feel like wins - no pressure, no failure

🧩 My Favorite Types of Calm-Down Task Boxes:

✂️ Fine motor: threading, play dough poking, tweezers, cutting strips

🔶 Matching/sorting: colors, shapes, emotions, photos

🍦 Sensory-friendly: water beads, Velcro, fabric swatches, rice bins

Everything is visual, hands-on, and calming - perfect for those high-emotion moments.

🎒 How I Store & Rotate Them:

I use rainbow photo cases (shocking, I know 😉)

Labeled by skill, sensory level, or theme

I keep a drawer labeled Calm Choices that students can choose from using a visual menu

I rotate them every few weeks to keep them fresh and engaging

📋 Do I Track Calm-Down Box Use?
Kind of! If a student is using the same one regularly — or it’s part of their IEP or regulation plan — I’ll jot down what works.
This helps me:

Tailor supports

Communicate with families

Build stronger routines

💾 Task Box Library = Your Calm-Down Box Shortcut
Everything I’ve talked about today is inside my Task Box Library, including:

Sensory and regulation-friendly boxes

Matching, threading, fine motor, and play dough tasks

Visual labels + instructions

1,100+ academic, life skills, and SEL task boxes

Training + assessment tools

👉 Check it out here

If you’ve ever had a moment where a student was overwhelmed and you weren’t sure what to offer - calm-down task boxes can change everything.

They’re:

Quiet

Engaging

Low-prep

And they give your students the tools to feel successful and safe.

You don’t need a full sensory room or a fancy setup - you just need a few visual, structured supports your students can access when they need them most.

👉 Grab the Task Box Library and start building your calm-down collection today.

📲 Let’s Connect!
Already using task boxes in your calm-down corner? I’d love to see!
Tag me on Instagram @teachingautism or DM me your favorite setup.

Thanks for listening..
Until next time, breathe deep, keep it visual, and let your students squish the play dough. 💛
Nikki

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m breaking down one of my favorite ways to support IEP goals — and the best part? No worksheets required. 🙌

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with paperwork, struggling to keep things engaging, or just want a low-prep, hands-on way to meet student goals - this one’s for you.
I’m walking you through exactly how I use task boxes to target fine motor, academic, life skills, and even social-emotional goals - without burning out, and without spending hours laminating.

I’ll also be sharing how my Task Box Library makes this whole process 100x easier, and how I track progress in a simple, realistic way (no massive binders here).

Let’s dive in!

💬 Why I Use Task Boxes Over Worksheets
Worksheets have their place - but for my students, task boxes offer:

Visual, tactile learning

Reusability and flexibility

Higher engagement and independence

Easy ways to level and differentiate

Real progress toward IEPs without stress

🎯 How I Use Task Boxes to Target Specific IEP Goals

Here’s how I break it down:

✏️ Fine Motor Goals: Hole punches, tweezers, cutting strips, play dough shapes — all fun, all goal-based.

🔤 Literacy Goals: Letter matching, CVC puzzles, sight word visuals, beginning sound clips.

🔢 Math Goals: Counting bears, ten frames, shape matching, quantity tasks like “candles on the cake.”

🧠 Life Skills Goals: Clean vs dirty sorting, grocery bags, community roles, money skills.

😌 Social-Emotional Goals: Emotion matching, safe vs unsafe, regulation strategies, scenario sorters.

Everything is hands-on, clear, and adaptable - without the daily worksheet shuffle.

📦 Where I Get All These Boxes
Spoiler alert: I don’t make them from scratch every time.

I created my Task Box Library to save my sanity and give myself (and you!) a go-to toolkit for every goal, theme, and season.

Inside the library:

1,100+ pre-made task boxes

Organized by skill, theme, and month

Visual covers + storage labels

Staff training modules

Assessment tools + tracking sheets

👉 Check it out here

📋 How I Track Progress (Without Losing My Mind)
I keep it super simple:

Use a tracking sheet

Record level of independence + accuracy

Add quick notes for next steps

Keep it consistent - that’s the key

💡 Tips for Getting Started with Task Boxes

Start with 5–10 per student

Match them to actual IEP goals, not just curriculum

Use rainbow photo cases for storage

Rotate boxes regularly during routines

Reuse and level up instead of always making new ones

🧩 The Task Box Library
My done-for-you library of 1,100+ task boxes, organized and ready to go.
👉 Join here

🎒 End of Year Google Drive Bundle
Perfect for finishing strong with themed activities, crafts, and more.
👉 Grab it here

📚 Back to School Google Drive Bundle
Plan ahead and walk into September feeling totally prepped.
👉 Grab it here

Task boxes are such a powerful way to make progress on IEPs - in a way that’s doable, repeatable, and meaningful.
They save time.

They support student independence.
And they let us ditch the worksheets without sacrificing goals.

If you’re ready to streamline your support - the Task Box Library is the easiest way to start.

👉 Join the Task Box Library

👉 Find all my task boxes on TpT here.

📲 Let’s Connect!
Let me know what skills you’re targeting - tag me on Instagram @teachingautism or send me a DM. I love seeing your classroom magic in action!

Thanks for hanging out with me today -
Until next time, stay caffeinated, trust your gut, and go crush those IEP goals. 💛
Nikki

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most requested topics from teachers like you - how I organize my task boxes without turning into a stressed-out mess surrounded by stray Velcro and mystery pieces. 😂

If you’re a special ed teacher, you know how powerful task boxes can be - for IEP goals, independence, calm-down time, assessment… they’re basically magic.
But let’s be honest - once you hit 10, 50, or 1,100 of them (hi, me), keeping them organized can start to feel impossible.

So I’m sharing exactly how I store, label, rotate, and manage my massive collection of task boxes - and how I keep them functional, accessible, and totally doable. I’m even giving you a peek into my digital Task Box Library, which is the heart of my classroom organization.

Let’s get into it!

💬 Why I Love Task Boxes
Task boxes are:

Visual, hands-on, reusable

Perfect for literacy, math, fine motor, life skills, sub plans, independent work… basically everything

Low-prep once they’re made — and they save me all year long

🌈 How I Store Them (Without Losing My Sanity)
I’m obsessed with rainbow photo cases — you know the ones with the mini boxes inside? I organize mine by:

Theme (like weather, bugs, Christmas)

Skill set (fine motor, CVC, counting)

Month/season (September boxes, Spring theme, etc.)

Each mini box inside has:

A visual of the task

A title + skill label

A little code that matches my inventory list (yep, I have one)

It’s easy to grab what I need fast - even if a student just spilled glue across the table. 😅

📦 Where I Keep It All
All of my rainbow photo cases live in my classroom closet - sorted, stacked, and labelled like a cozy little library.
I rotate them seasonally and keep the most-used ones at arm’s reach.
Think:

“Fall CVC Words”

“Back to School Counting”

“Holiday Life Skills”

💾 A Peek Inside My Task Box Library
My Task Box Library is a digital bundle that includes:

1,100+ task boxes

Organized by theme, skill, and month

Training modules on how to organize, assess, and introduce task boxes

Plus student assessment tools to track progress

If you’re already a member — go log in and grab your seasonal boxes and start rotating them!
Not a member yet? 👉 Join the Task Box Library

1. Label Everything
Use clear covers with a visual, title, and skill label. Your future self will cry happy tears.

2. Keep an Inventory
I use a Google Sheet to track every task box — name, skill, storage spot. Doesn’t have to be fancy, just functional.

3. Use a Weekly Drawer Cart
I keep a “Task Boxes for This Week” drawer and switch it out every Friday. No more morning panic.

4. Reuse + Rotate
Don’t reinvent the wheel each year. Reuse boxes, rotate them, and just sprinkle in a few new ones when needed.

Once you’ve got a good system in place, you’ll:

Save time every single week

Support student goals on the fly

Have sub plans prepped without lifting a finger

Never wonder “where did that counting activity go?” again

It’s hands-down one of the best systems I’ve ever implemented.

📦 The Task Box Library
Everything is printable, leveled, visual, and ready for you.
👉 Join the Library Here

🎒 End of Year Google Drive Bundle
Finish the year strong with themed activities, crafts, adapted books, and more.
👉 Grab it here

📚 Back to School Google Drive Bundle
Get yourself organized for next year before summer even starts.
👉 Grab it here

🌈 Rainbow Storage Boxes
These are what I use for storing all of my task boxes!
🇺🇸 USA Link Here.
🇬🇧 UK Link Here.
These links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of these links.

One tip that I always give educators, is to add things to your Amazon wish list. Then be sure to share it on social media throughout the year and definitely go and share it on this blog post. Let's help to clear your list!

If your task boxes are currently living in a pile of random tubs and ziplock bags - I see you. Start small. Label one rainbow case this week. It will feel worth it.

Let me know how you’re organizing yours - tag me @teachingautism or send me your best storage hack. Bonus points if it includes rainbow boxes, Velcro rolls, or a wildly satisfying label maker moment. 🤓

Thanks for hanging out with me today -
Until next time, keep things visual, stay caffeinated, and label everything! 💛
Nikki

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m spilling all the details on one of my favourite ways to wrap up the school year: theme days!

If you’ve been around here a while, you already know I live for a good theme - especially at the end of the year when routines go a little wonky, energy is through the roof, and we’re all counting down the days to summer.

I’ve been doing theme days for years now, and I’ve finally nailed down a system that makes them feel magical, manageable, and totally reusable. In this episode, I’m sharing five of my go-to end-of-year themes, how I set them up, what activities I use, how I decorate (without going broke), and why I keep coming back to them every single year.

1. Circus Theme Day
Red and white stripes, silly hats, and sensory-friendly carnival games make this one a total hit. I share my favourite activities like ring toss, cutting clown hair (hello, fine motor!), and fake popcorn snacks — plus how I keep the vibe magical but calm.

2. Pizza Theme Day
This one is always a class favourite! I talk about how I turn my classroom into a mini pizzeria with matching visuals, dramatic play, and play dough pizzas. It’s perfect for sequencing, communication, and even sneaking in a little math.

3. Lemonade Theme Day
A calm, refreshing theme that’s perfect for those warmer days. I go all in with yellow decor, lemon-themed math games, and a tasting station with different flavours. We keep it visual and communication-friendly — and yes, there’s a “lemon squad” group photo.

4. Ice Cream Theme Day
No school year ends without Ice Cream Day! I reuse pastel decorations, pull out my adapted books and matching activities, and we top it all off with a tasting session (or a fruit and cream option). I also share my go-to ice cream themed crafts and counting tasks.

5. Camping Theme Day
This is my go-to for a chill, cozy final week. I talk about how I set up the “campfire,” decorate with fairy lights, and run the whole day by flashlight. You’ll hear about the literacy, math, and sensory activities I use — plus some sweet snack ideas to finish it off.

How I store and reuse everything from year to year in labeled boxes

Where I get low-cost (or free!) decorations and props

My tips for keeping theme days low-prep but high-impact

Why they’re perfect for time fillers, sub days, or when plans change last minute

How these themed days still support structure, visuals, and calm for my students

🎡 End-of-Year Theme Day Bundle on TpT
Get access to all five of the theme days I mentioned, including visuals, printables, and activities that are ready to go.
👉 Grab the bundle here

📁 End-of-Year Google Drive Bundle
Packed with crafts, sensory supports, scavenger hunts, and more — everything digital and printable to finish the year strong.
👉 Grab it here

Theme days don’t have to be Pinterest-perfect to be special.
I’ve found that keeping things visual, structured, and fun is the sweet spot — especially for our special education classrooms. My students love these days, and I love how simple they are to run once they’re prepped.

If you try one of these theme days, tag me @teachingautism so I can cheer you on and see the magic you’re making!

Thanks for tuning in - and don’t forget, it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what works for you and your students.

Talk soon,
💛 Nikki

🎧 Episode Description:
Hey friend! In today’s episode of the Teaching Autism podcast, I’m spilling all my secrets for how I wrap up the school year without burning out - so I can actually rest, recharge, and not think about laminating until September.

This is a no-guilt, no-grind guide to prepping smart so you can fully switch off over summer. I’m sharing how I shift our classroom routine, get my staff involved in a low-stress prep system, and reuse materials year after year to save time and money.

If you're dreaming of a peaceful summer but still want to feel calm and confident heading into the next school year, you're in the right place!

✨ In This Episode, I Cover:

✅ How I shift our classroom routine during the last few weeks
✅ My easy system for rotating staff through prep stations (no stress, no chaos)
✅ What I start prepping during those final afternoons - from visuals to craft kits
✅ Why I reuse and rotate everything I possibly can
✅ My two-day summer setup sprint - then I’m DONE
✅ How you can do the same with just a little planning and a whole lot less pressure

📦 Grab My Favorite Time-Saving Resources:

🗂️ End of Year Google Drive Folder
Your go-to for theme days, crafts, scavenger hunts, visual supports, sensory play, and more.
👉 Click here to grab it

🎒 Back to School Google Drive Folder
Start the year with visual routines, editable forms, staff handbooks, morning meetings, and first-week crafts - all done for you.
👉 Click here to grab it

☀️ End of Year Theme Days
All of my go-to end of year theme days in one bundle for you!
👉 Click here to grab it

🌈 Setting Up a Color Coded Classroom
👉 Read my blog post here

✂️ Year Long Craft Prep
👉 Read my blog post here

💬 Let’s Connect:
Are you doing your end-of-year prep now? Show me what you’re up to! Tag me on Instagram @teachingautism or drop into my DMs - I love seeing how you're wrapping up the year.

🧡 Final Reminder:
You don’t need to prep everything. Just prep what brings you peace.
Even if that’s cutting out two visuals while bingeing Netflix - it totally counts.

Until next time, you’ve got this. I’m cheering you on every step of the way. 💛