writing journals for special education
Writing Journals for Special Education & Early Writers Teaching writing can feel like an uphill battle, especially when your students are still developing foundational reading and phonics skills. Writing journals for special education students can provide the structure and support early writers need to practice phonics, build sentences, and develop independent writing skills. As a […]
Young Learners Writing Strategies 1
Hands-On Writing Strategies for Early Readers in Special Education Teaching writing can feel like an uphill battle. As a special education resource teacher, I struggled for years to find off-the-shelf writing resources that truly fit my students’ unique needs. When working with beginning writers, effective writing strategies for early readers are essential because reading and […]
Teaching with a Chronic Illness
Life Update: Retirement, New Chapters, and Teaching with a Chronic Illness A little background about me: I have been teaching Special Education in the elementary resource setting for 25 years. Education, especially special education, can be incredibly challenging, and it truly takes a specific kind of person to do it. But I have always loved […]
Teacher Planners
Why Standard Planners Don’t Work for Special Education And What to Use Instead Every year, the “planner conversation” inevitably starts in the staff lounge and within teacher Facebook Groups. Suggestions fly, Erin Condren, Planbook, Happy Planner, a thousand templates on TPT, and honestly? It’s overwhelming. I realized that having a digital planner for special education […]
Teaching Division
Division Strategies Introducing the concept of division to elementary students can feel like an uphill battle. Moving from basic multiplication to breaking numbers down into equal groups requires a strong foundation in conceptual understanding. When abstract formulas fail to click, math visuals are the ultimate tool to bridge the gap. Why Visuals Matter for […]
Helping Struggling Readers
Practical Strategies for Helping Struggling Readers Thrive If you’re a teacher looking for effective ways to support students who find reading challenging, you’re not alone. Many educators are seeking engaging, research-based strategies that actually work. This guide provides practical tools and multi-sensory approaches for helping struggling readers thrive, so you can build confidence, fluency, and […]
identify struggling readers
How to Identify Struggling Readers: Actionable Steps and Data Tools As a certified special education teacher with 25 years of experience and a Master’s in Reading, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to get students to engage in areas where they struggle. One of the most common and critical areas of difficulty is […]
Sight Word Instruction
Boost Reading Confidence with Sight Words: Simple Strategies That Work Sight words are a foundational part of early literacy and a key focus in many reading interventions. When students are still working on CVC words, sight words are an excellent tool to help them start reading simple sentences and early reader stories with confidence. For […]
Reward vs Break
Understanding the Difference Between Breaks and Rewards in Behavior Management In a special education classroom or any classroom, effective Behavior Management is essential to supporting student success. One key strategy is helping students understand the difference between a break and a reward. These two supports serve very different purposes, and teaching this distinction can make […]
Flexible Seating More Expensive Options
Creating a Calm and Engaging Classroom with Flexible Seating Options As a special education teacher, I’m always searching for ways to help my students stay focused, calm, and engaged. One simple yet powerful shift that has transformed my classroom is the use of flexible seating. Flexible seating gives students the opportunity to move, choose their […]