Increasing Independence in the Self-Contained Special Education Classroom ALL DAY LONG

Independence....true independence... is top priority as far as I am concerned. True independence refers to an individual being able to complete a skill across all settings, for an extended period of time, in all situations, with no one present, and in the absence of supports mediated by others. These are tough criteria....and it takes a lot of work for our learners to acquire these skills. 

I am all for keeping strategies in place that my students can access on their own. After all, it is these strategies...or prompts...that may help maintain a skill long after a student leaves the public school system. Examples include:
- schedules
- alarms
- visuals
- video models
....and so much more. 

I am always looking for ways to build independence into the day for my students. I have 6 students and 6 instructional aides in my classroom. Many of my students work 1:1 for large portions of the school day. Having a 1:1 classroom is amazing when it comes to teaching many of the essential skills my students need...however, it can sometimes unintentionally get in the way of independence. 

Nothing makes me crazier than seeing a student sitting around un-engaged waiting to be told what to do next. 

Here are some ways I work on INDEPENDENCE all day long in my middle school self-contained classroom. 

1. MORNING ROUTINES
At the middle school we no longer are doing "morning meeting". I wanted to find a way for my students to maintain previously mastered skills and target new age appropriate ones. 

All of my students now have a morning routine that they have learned to follow. My students should be coming in from the bus/drop off, walking to the classroom, and immediately beginning this routine. Ideally this occurs without verbal reminders from staff. Most of my students do this beautifully every day. It wasn't always so independent....but I am so proud of their progress!
All routines include certain similar steps -- unpacking, putting folder away, putting backpack in locker, signing in, etc.. Other steps are individualized. One student completes a stretching routine provided by his PT, others have various versions of calendar skills or weather pages. I use this as ONE opportunity to maintain previously mastered skills (e.g. calendar, weather ID, handwriting, typing, etc.). One student may handwrite a sign in sheet complete with time and date, another may copy his name by tying onto a sign in sheet. We include what is functional for that learner. Everything is individualized.

Here is an example of some pages from my MORNING BINDERS. These examples are from a few different student binders. One student is working on tracing the current date. Another student is moving velcro pieces to identify todays weather and date. This student knows to reference our main board where we have already written the date and weather.

Some more advanced skills I have had students complete in the past:

- check weather.com for local weather and temperature

- graph daily weather on a monthly bar graph

- identify appropriate clothing for the day

** You could add this to a morning routine students complete BEFORE coming to school--- then students can identify appropriate clothing and learn to dress themselves at home. This is a GREAT FUNCTIONAL skill for students with special needs. 

The morning routine in school typically takes my students anywhere from 5 minutes to 15 minutes. Once completed they know to immediately turn to their FULL DAY SCHEDULE to see what is next.

2. FULL DAY SCHEDULE
This, of course, is a massive part of the day for my students. Their full day schedules help identify what is happening all day long. Successfully implemented full day schedules can help eliminate many inappropriate behaviors caused by sudden changes/transitions. We work hard to change these daily as much as possible. Since many of my students work 1:1 in our classroom for much of the day...we have the flexibility to switch programs around. This helps prevent memorization of the schedule and work on flexibility with schedule changes.

Here are some examples of full day schedules in my class. Some students use visual schedules....other written schedules. Some students have hard copy schedules on their desk...others have electronic schedules on their iPads.

Most students have many "mini" schedule or "schedules within schedules". Within the full day schedule they may have many mini schedules (e.g. Morning Routine, Leisure Schedule, Social Interaction Schedule, Exercise Schedule, Hygiene Schedule, End of Day Schedule, etc.). If a student recently mastered an essential skill...I maintain it here. Many of my students complete Independent Hygiene Routines, Exercise Routines, and Leisure Schedules daily. MAINTENANCE IS KEY!

Students learn to follow the steps in the chain.... identify next task in schedule, get materials from drawer/shelf, bring to their desk, complete activity (with or without instructor), clean up materials, return to schedule. We can easily build in a ton of language skills to this routine.

3. LEISURE SCHEDULES
There are 2 types of leisure schedules that run in my classroom. INDEPENDENT Leisure Schedules and COOPERATIVE Leisure Schedules. The names basically describe the main difference. Many of my students have specific IEP goals where they are learning to follow an independent or cooperative schedule...and where they are learning to properly complete independent leisure skills or cooperative activities.

Here are some examples of some of the Leisure Skills we work on through these schedules:

Here is one example of a written Cooperative Leisure Schedule presented on a laminated piece of paper. Students in this schedule take turns writing their name on the left. The person whose name is recorded gets to choose the next game and amount of time from a pool of options. Students work together to set up, play, and clean up each activity. 

Here is one example of a visual Independent Leisure Schedule presented on an iPad. 

4. ALARMS
Many of my students have learned to follow alarms. Others are currently working on it. Since most of my students have personal iPod Touches or iPhones, I use alarms on their devices. Students will have alarms set for small group activities, lunch, APE, ...as well as certain independent or cooperative tasks. For example, some students have an alarm stating "play a game with a friend". When it goes off... they know to stop what they are doing, locate a friend, and ask to play a game. I love maintaining skills through alarms....not to mention alarms are one of those great prompts that we can effectively leave in place for the long run. WIN!

5. END OF DAY ROUTINE/CLASS JOBS
Similar to Morning Routines, my students have learned to end their day by completing a mini schedule of activities. It varies student to student. Just like in the morning...I take the opportunity to build in maintenance of recently mastered skills. Are you seeing a pattern....MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE!

Some of the skills I find useful to include in end of day routines include.... completing a daily journal (typing or handwriting), email parents information about the day, signing out, cleaning desk, re-setting personal materials, and classroom jobs.

Here is an example of a visual End of Day Routine:

Here is an example of Classroom Jobs. The one on the left has visuals for students who are non-readers. Student pictures are put next to each task by instructors....so each student does one job. The picture on the right is an example of a written COOPERATIVE class job list. Students work together to cooperatively complete all jobs. Class jobs are an excellent way to work on vocational skills!

How do you foster INDEPENDENCE in your classroom? I would love to hear your ideas! :)

**Shawn

WHY AMAZING INSTRUCTIONAL AIDES ARE SO IMPORTANT!

I returned to work from maternity leave this week. As many of you know....this can be challenging. Although I love my job and my students.... it is so difficult to leave my babies at home.

One of the scariest things about returning mid year to my classroom is the unknown. Half of my class is new to me this year...so I really don't know them yet. My students have been going about their days and working hard in my absence. I don't know what skills they have learned, if there are any new challenging behaviors, or what else may have impacted them in this time.

This is where my instructional staff come in. THEY ARE AMAZING and derserve so much credit. One of the instructional staff in my room (also a certified teacher) replaced me during my leave. She did an incredible job keeping things running and certainly helped with the transition on both ends.

The instructional staff in my room also are great. They are dedicated, hard working, and skillful.

My students are making progress and WORKING INDEPENDENTLY. Independence is one of the essential skills I am always working towards. I have previously spent a great deal of time training instructional staff in my room on the importance of independence and how to foster independence. I think these trainings have paid off...because I observed all of my students working on independent schedules within the first minutes of returning to work!


I am SO LUCKY...and I can't imagine coming back from a leave to a different situation.


So.... here are my TOP 3 REASONS WHY AMAZING INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF ARE A CRUCIAL PART OF ANY SPED CLASSROOM!

1. Preparation Assistance
There is a lot to prep for in special education. My students all have individualized curriculum and materials...which can take quite a bit of time to gather and prepare. The instructional staff in my room help locate, print, prepare, and organize materials everyday. This ensures we have the right things available when it is time to work with students. Proper organization helps eliminate unnecessary downtime....which is no ones friend.


2. They can keep things running smoothly in our absence.
This one was huge while I was on leave. There are times when we are sick, have a meeting, or otherwise need to step out of the classroom. It is so important that this time is not lost for our students. The instructional staff in my room know the routines, understand what is expected of them and the students, and can pick up where they need to in order to continue teaching our students.


3. Skillful, hard-working, caring instructional staff make OUR (sped teacher's) jobs possible.
The staff in my classroom make my life a million times easier. They make it possible for me to teach...and their role in our classroom is irreplaceable. Without effective instructional staff my students may not have the same opportunities to learn as they do now. I am thankful for my aides...as are my students and their families.

Have I said enough? Our instructional staff are an integral part of our classrooms...and can't be overlooked!

Why are you instructional staff amazing?
How do you use the staff in your class to best support your students!?

**AUSOME ADOLESCENTS**

CREATING RESOURCES FOR TPT

I am excited to share some information I have learned about creating resource for re-sale on Teachers Pay Teachers. Many teachers are now creating our own resource. Not only can we create amazing resources that work best for our individual students.... but it is a huge bonus to make a little extra money to supplement our teaching salary.

I joined TPT a couple years ago but am fairly new to actually selling products. I found some time while I was on maternity leave to really put effort into selling...and now I am hooked. The desire to provide more for my family is very motivating! I am just starting to understand some key things I can do to help drive sales.

FIRST THING IS FIRST... Do you belong to Teachers Pay Teachers? If not, join HERE. It is completely free to join and get started. 

BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS

1. STICK TO YOUR STRENGTHS
-  It is hard when you see others doing so well and you are just beginning... be patient! Don't copy what others are saying or doing---- be true to yourself and stick to what you know best!
- Trust yourself and your products.... you have a lot to offer!

2. CONSIDER YOUR STUDENTS
- Make products that your will actually use
- Actually prepare your products
- Take photos of your completed products in use in your classroom

3. SOCIAL MEDIA
- Join Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest
- Create a blog
- Create (usually free) accounts for everything using your TPT business name
- Start posting quotes, pictures, FREEBIES, unique ideas, and of course... information on your products!

4. NETWORK
- Join groups on facebook and pinterest (ask questions, comment, and be involved)
- Follow blogs of other SPED sellers (there are so many amazing ones... you can learn ideas for your own resources and find great products others have created WIN-WIN)
- Join in on $ Deals, giveaways, and TPT sales when you can --> this is a GREAT way to gain to followers (its okay to start slow...it will pick up!)

5. BUILD UP YOUR TPT SITE
- Create a button
- Make your page look professional --> Add unique banners, quotes, and links to your other social media sites

I found an amazing blog post from TEACHER BLOGGING BASICS that provides step by step instructions are customizing these things. Seriously...check this post out!

6. CREATE NEW RESOURCES
- Create resources you believe in
- Capture attention of potential buyers -->  Don't underestimate that benefit of a catchy cover page and engaging thumbnails

CREATING RESOURCES

I quickly realized how important it is to make ENGAGING resources. I had many things I have created over the years for my own classroom.... but they needed a bit of touching up before posting on TPT.

Enter CLIPART... my new love.

A few important things to consider when choosing clipart:

1. Copyright --> TPT can help you with this and has some great answers to common Copyright questions. You CANNOT just search on google and insert images into your resources.
Most clipart sellers on TPT allow for commercial use of their images...with credt. Read their individual Terms of Use before purchasing products.

2. Age Appropriate Images
- I teacher adolescents with Autism... so I want to avoid "cutesy" images that depict young children. It's hard because they are SO adorable. Choose images that are appropriate for your learners or the learners you intend to use your product(s).

3. Cartoon Clipart or Photos
- Students with Autism often have trouble with discrimination. Many benefit greatly from the use of actual photographs as opposed to cartoon clipart images.
- One of my favorites....partially due to affordable subscription options...is
GRAPHIC STOCK. You can join by clicking this link.
          -- It has a one time affordable annual fee
          -- UNLIMITED downloads
          -- you can keep your downloads forever


I would love to hear your feedback on things you have learned as you begin selling products on TPT. What has worked/hasn't worked for you?

Good Luck creating! :)

*** AUsome Adolescents ***

CYBER SALE!

It is that time of year again.... Holiday Shopping time!

I have 2 little ones (18 months and 4 months)....so this year I was very excited to buy all of the fun toys I see everywhere.  I MAY have gone overboard and currently have an entire room or toys. I buy, return, buy, return...you get the idea. To be clear -- they need NOTHING. They have grandparents, Uncles, and Aunts who can't control themselves either.... they are two very fortunate little boys. Besides my toddler still finds our Tupperware, pots and pans, and "anything he is not allowed to have" most exciting.

On that note --- many of you are probably like me and have been developing a large wish list on TPT

It's time to make some of those purchases!

Teachers Pay Teachers is hosting a CYBER SALE 

11/28 & 11/29

Code: CYBER2016

All of my resources will be up to 28% off, so head over to MY TPT SITE and snatch up the great deals!


ENJOY!

Interactive Books

I think by now most people have heard of interactive books (sometimes called adapted books, or other names). I have fallen in love...and some might same have become obsessed with creating, buying, and making these fun books for my classroom. 

There are 2 great ways I use interactive books:

1. Independent Reading --> within independent schedules and work bins

2. Target or reinforce individuals skills and themes

Independent Reading
I love including reading as an independent task for my students....but there is typically no way to know if they are actually reading, understanding, etc. 

I don't know about you.... but my students are pretty smart...and they know how to quickly skip pages when I am not looking. 

Interactive hooks have helped take care of this problem while simultaneously making the books much more reinforcing for my kiddos. 

Individual Skills

My FAVORITE interactive books are ones about essential skills I already need/want to work on --- ADL skills, community skills, safety skills, etc. Now I can DOUBLE DIP--- I introduce or reinforce a skill such as "brushing teeth" while also working on independent reading, matching, and attending skills. This is a major WIN in my book!

 *******

I use interactive books across many subjects -- Math, Life Skills, and of course.... Language Arts. 

I also have books for the same skills across multiple different themes
- back to school
- seasons
- holidays

Here are a couple of my own interactive books you can purchase from MY TPT STORE. I love their simplicity and reinforcement of basic skills my students need lots of practice with all year long. 

CVC Flipbooks

CATEGORY Flipbooks
Math Skills- PATTERNS (BEACH THEME)


Math Skills- SIZES (BEACH THEME)

Math Skills- SHAPES

"I see" what color/how many? (BACK TO SCHOOL THEME)


There are TONS of amazing interactive books on TPT from so many creative special educators (I have MANY in my classroom library). Check them out and get busy making books -- trust me you won't regret it!!

* AUsome Adolescents *

High Tech Schedules

"High Tech" Schedules

I am very fortunate to work in a school district where most of my students have unlimited access to high tech electronic devices. At the middle school and high school level almost every student has either a personal iPod, iPad, or iPhone purchased by their family....or a district provided device. 

These devices allow my students to develop a variety of new skills that will likely prove essential to their future. 

Enter INDIVIDUALIZED SCHEDULES ON iDevices. This is one of my favorite skills to teach my students. 

The use of devices for individual schedules is amazing for a few reasons: 

1. They are super portable. 
 We know many of our kiddos thrive from the structure that schedules provide. Furthermore, schedules can help introduce changes ahead of time...which is a huge antecedent behavior strategy that works for many.  
Smaller electronic devices fit in our pocket and can go everywhere with the student. This helps ensure they are with the learner when they need to be. Amazing!

2. They are discreet. 
I cannot tell you how many times I am observing my students in community settings and realize they look completely TYPICAL looking at their schedules compared to others around them also on their phones. I know my students are running their individual motivational system or using their device to access a prompt they need..... but everyone else just sees another teenager checking their text messages or email. Devices help our students stay achieve independence completing various life skills AND they help them blend with others in their environment..... WIN-WIN!

3. They are age appropriate!
This is one of my favorite reasons. It is so important to help our older students with age appropriateness....not always easy when you have students who exclusively wear Blues Clues backpacks and quote Sesame Street. There may be a place for allowing access to baby TV shows as reinforcement....however, the place for these things is not in the middle school classroom. 
Many adolescents have personal phones, tablets, or iPods. The devices keep them connected to their friends, family, and the world.....and this can also be true for our students. 

4. They are motivating. 
This likely does not come as a suprise to many of you that tablets and iDevices are super motivating to our learners....just as they are to typical kids. Besides schedules...students can access reinforcement on their devices. There are so many options!


My FAVORITE schedule apps:
Re-Do (Repeatable To-Do) --> Great age appropriate schedules for older learners who know how to read and do not need visual supports. 

Pros: Allows for creation of multiple schedules. Schedules are easy to follow/view multiple steps at once. Allows you to put extra information in "notes" sections. I use this for shopping lists and embedded prompts. Excellent low price. 
Cons: Does not have ability to embed pictures or videos









FTVS HD- First Then Visual Schedule --> Great schedule for non-readers or those who need extra visual/behavioral supports. 

Pros: Allows you to embed pictures, videos, and token economies to support students. 
Cons: More expensive than Re-Do. 


















I know it may not be possible for everyone to have a personal device, but if it is an option.....start teaching your students as soon as you can--- these skills are irreplaceable. 

Ideas if your students do not have access ?:
- bring your own device from home to use in the classroom
- ask for donations of outdated/unused phones from other teachers.....you can still charge and use an old phone for apps without their being a data plan. You just need WIFI
- ask your PTO, principal, etc. You may be surprised what you can get for your students once you ask. 


Good Luck! :)

-- AU-some Adolescents

October Resources

It is officially FALL and almost October. I love this time of year.....the changing leaves, pumpkins, and slightly cooler weather that doesn't quite require those winter jackets just yet.

September can be a bit of a blur with school just beginning. I always feel like I am hitting my stride once October roles around. Even though I am on maternity leave this October...I am still excited looking through all of the new fall themed resources online.

I especially love using my own October Independent Practice and Fall Themed No Prep Worksheets. 

Both packets offer a TON of colorful, fun, themed worksheets that can be used for independent binders or homework. I also love laminating the puzzles and clip cards for frequent use during independent stations or schedules.... a huge bonus in my class!