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. 💛

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Teaching Autism podcast! In this heart-filled episode, I’m joined by the incredible Yara from Sea of Knowledge to dive deep into one of the most important topics in any classroom: friendship and anti-bullying.

We talk all about:

What healthy friendships really look like (and how to spot when something’s not quite right)

Practical ways teachers can support students through tricky social situations

How to make social-emotional learning fun, meaningful, and consistent in your daily routines

Recognizing the early signs of bullying and how to create safe, inclusive spaces for every student

Yara is full of real, relatable advice and brings so much value as both a resource creator and educator. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to manage friendship fallouts or teach empathy in an age-appropriate way—this one’s for you.

💛 Whether you're a special ed teacher, a general classroom teacher, or a parent, you’ll come away with simple, powerful ideas you can start using right away.

💡 Mentioned in This Episode:

🧦 Boots Empathy Craft
Use this fun and visual craft to help kids understand what it means to “walk in someone else’s shoes.”
👉 Check it out here

🍦 What Makes a Good Friend? Ice Cream Craft
Perfect for building social awareness and talking about what real friendship looks like.
👉 Download the free activity

🎨 SEL Crafts Mega Bundle
A HUGE collection of hands-on, themed activities to support emotional regulation, kindness, self-awareness, and more.
👉 Grab the bundle on TpT

👩‍🏫 Connect with Yara:
Website: Sea of Knowledge
Instagram: @seaofknowledge
TpT Store: Sea of Knowledge on TpT

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going!
What’s your go-to strategy for supporting friendships or tackling bullying in your classroom? Come join me over on Instagram @teachingautism and share your thoughts—I love hearing from you!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s been debated for years in the autism and special education world, the language we use when talking about autism. Specifically, we're breaking down the difference between identity-first language ("autistic person") and person-first language ("person with autism") and why so many autistic individuals are asking us to make the shift.

Language is powerful. It shapes how we think, how we connect, and how we respect one another. So let’s talk about how we can be more intentional and inclusive with our words, and why listening to autistic voices is key.

What identity-first and person-first language actually mean

Why many autistic individuals prefer identity-first language

What professionals and advocacy groups are saying

How educators, caregivers, and allies can shift their language respectfully

Practical tips for using inclusive language every day

Autism is not a detachable condition, it’s a core part of identity for many.

Identity-first language is supported by most autistic self-advocates and groups like ASAN.

Using “autistic person” honors the lived experience and self-identified preference of the community.

The most respectful thing we can do? Ask individuals how they want to be referred to and listen.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). Strong advocate for identity-first language

My Free Resource Library for inclusive classroom tools.

Follow along and join the conversation on Instagram.

Have you shifted the language you use around autism? Have you had these conversations at school or in your workplace? I’d love to hear your thoughts, come say hi on social media and let’s keep learning together.

If this episode helped you learn something new or challenged you to think differently, consider sharing it with a friend, tagging me on social media, or leaving a quick review, it really helps spread the message of inclusion and neuro-affirming practices.

Until next time.. Keep listening, keep growing, and let’s keep making space for autistic voices to lead the way.

Welcome back to the podcast! Today we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite topics — special interests, and why they deserve to be celebrated, not shut down.

If you’ve ever worked with Autistic students (or if you’re Autistic yourself), you already know: special interests are so much more than hobbies. They’re a source of comfort, confidence, connection, and even learning, not something to “tone down” or redirect.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through:
✨ What special interests really are and why they matter
✨ How educators and caregivers can use them to build connection
✨ Inspiring stories of Autistic individuals whose passions led to amazing careers
✨ Practical strategies to nurture these interests in meaningful ways

The difference between casual interests and special interests, and why it matters

How special interests help regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and support learning

Why validation, not redirection, is key to helping Autistic students thrive

Easy ways to incorporate special interests into lessons and social connection

How special interests can lead to real-world success (yep, we’re talking about Temple Grandin, Greta Thunberg, and more!)

Special interests are not distractions.. they’re strengths. When we validate and support these passions, we help Autistic individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered.

🎁 Free Resource Library - Grab tools and resources to help you incorporate special interests into learning

📱 Come chat with me on Instagram

🖥️ Read more on the blog

What special interests have you seen in your students or your own life?
How have you used them to connect or support learning?
Come say hi on social media and share your stories — I’d love to hear them!

And if this episode sparked something for you, please consider sharing it with a friend, tagging me, or leaving a quick review. It helps get this message into more ears and hearts.

Thanks for listening — and until next time, let’s keep celebrating what makes each of us uniquely amazing. 💛

In this heartfelt episode, I’m passing the mic (with full permission and lots of gratitude) to a few amazing Autistic friends who shared what they really want people to know during Autism Acceptance Month. 💛

This month is about more than wearing a color or posting a hashtag — it’s about taking real, thoughtful action that centers and supports the Autistic community.

In this 10-minute episode, we explore the shifts that matter most — directly from Autistic voices.

Why red (not blue) is the color of true support

The real meaning behind the infinity symbol (and why puzzle pieces are outdated)

The crucial difference between awareness and acceptance

Why April can actually be triggering for many Autistic people

How to amplify Autistic creators, educators, and voices — respectfully and meaningfully

A clearer understanding of how to show up as an ally (without centering yourself)

Easy, compassionate ways to rethink how we “celebrate” Autism Acceptance Month

Practical ways to put these changes into action, in your classroom, your community, or your daily life

Hashtags: #RedInstead, #AutismAcceptanceMonth

Symbols: 🌈 Rainbow Infinity (neurodiversity), ✨ Gold Infinity (Autism)

Instagram

Website + Blog

To honor the mental load this month can bring, I’ve chosen not to tag or name the friends who contributed to this episode. Their trust means everything, and I’m so grateful to share their thoughts here in a safe, respectful space.

If you’re Autistic and listening, I see you, I appreciate you, and I hope this episode feels supportive. 💛

If something in this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it!
✨ Share this episode
✨ Tag me on socials
✨ Leave a quick review or rating, it really helps!

And above all, let’s keep learning, listening, and growing, not just in April, but all year round.

Hey friends, welcome back to the podcast, and welcome to a special episode for Autism Acceptance Month 💛

In this one, we’re busting some of the biggest, most outdated myths about Autism that just won’t go away. From vaccine misinformation to the idea that Autism only affects boys... We’re clearing it all up in a kind, honest, neuro-affirming way.

Here’s the truth: Autism is not a disease. It’s a natural neurotype. And the more we understand that, the better we can support Autistic individuals with empathy, respect, and actual inclusion, not just performative awareness every April.

✨ In this 10-minute myth-busting episode, we cover:

What Autism actually is (and what it’s not)

Why the vaccine myth needs to go (like, yesterday)

The real reason more people are being diagnosed

How gender bias affects Autism diagnosis

Why Autistic people absolutely can feel empathy

And no — Autism is not something that needs to be "cured"

I also throw it back to an amazing conversation I had with Andi Putt (Mrs Speechie P) where we dug deeper into neurodiversity, inclusive practice, and how we can move from April “awareness” to real, everyday acceptance.

This episode is short, clear, and packed with truths we all need to hear. So whether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, or just someone who wants to be a better ally, this one’s for you.

My Conversation with Andi Putt (Mrs Speechie P)

Learn more at my blog.

Follow along on Instagram.