They say “practice makes perfect”, and what’s a more motivating practice method than iPad apps!? While occupational therapists (OTs) will likely encourage more “hands on” activities, there is no denying that technology is part of our world. Kids can build skills using iPad apps too. I use apps in my treatment sessions and recommend them for home and classroom use. What’s even better than an OT-approved app? Free OT apps! Check out the list below for some app suggestions to work on OT-related skills outside of session time! 1. iDo Hygiene Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)/Hygiene I love to us ..read more

In the education world, we refer to tier-1 supports as universal programming used with all students in the classroom. These supports fit into the basic principles of Universal Design for Learning and aim to make instruction accessible to benefit most students. In this blog post, I share five tier-1 supports you can immediately implement in your classroom. Less is More When it comes to stimuli in the classroom, less is more. This includes visual and verbal stimuli. Limiting visual and verbal clutter during instruction reduces our students’ cognitive load and allows them to focus on learning t ..read more

What Are Center Rotations? Center rotations in special education can be very beneficial for students with diverse learning needs. These rotations can be structured to accommodate individualized instruction, small group activities, and even some independent practice! Here’s a general guide on how I implement center rotations in my special ed classroom. 1. Assessment and IEP Goals You should begin by assessing each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning goals outlined in their IEP. You will use this information to modify the centers to meet each students specific need. Once you identify ..read more

Special education classrooms thrive on centers! I love incorporating centers into my upper elementary (grades 3-5) classroom schedule because they allow me to provide activities tailored to students’ needs, while also helping my students learn to work independently. Looking for center ideas to use with bigger kids? Read on for some ideas that my students and I love! Reading Center Ideas Simple Comprehension packets are great for center work! Simple Comprehension The monthly Simple Comprehension stories and activities are perfect for using in centers! Each monthly set comes with four stories ..read more

You may have read my recent blog about spring sensory bins! When putting together sensory bins, it is always important to think about safety [in addition to fun!]. We wanted to post a blog with some safety considerations when utilizing sensory bins. While this is not all inclusive, hopefully it will get your wheels turning when thinking about how to make an ideal sensory bin for your students! Some Things to Think About Many of us are working with students who mouth things. There is a high likelihood that students may put the filler of our bins in their mouth. Therefore, we need to consider ..read more

Are you looking for a fun, creative way to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with your staff? Below, I will show you how to create this special treat bags that your students can make and hand out during the month of April! Handmade Stickers Excuse me? We can make our own stickers? Yes! Yes, you can! And, the best part, it is SIMPLE. Let’s gather our supplies and get started. Supplies drawings or coloring pictures (autism related, for this month) colored pencils, gel pens or markers (crayons are too waxy-don’t use crayons!) parchment paper clear book or duct tape (I use Scotch Book Tape) Th ..read more

In special education classrooms, fostering writing skills can be a difficult task due to the many different abilities and learning styles among students. Visual differentiated writing journals offer a powerful solution by providing visual support and scaffolding to meet the diverse needs of learners, while allowing them to still work on the same prompt (making planning easy for you!). In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of visual differentiated writing journals and highlight some of the best options available for special education classrooms. Why Differentiate your Writing Journal ..read more

Extended School Year (ESY) programs play a vital role in providing continuity of learning and support for students with special needs during extended breaks. ESY programs help prevent regression and promote continued growth and development. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my daily ESY daily plans as a comprehensive guide to help special ed teachers navigate and optimize their ESY programs for special education students, while saving their own planning time so they can enjoy summer too! I share my FULL ESY plans and materials to make planning easy for you, download here. Why is ESY Importa ..read more

Fine motor skills in special education are essential for everyday tasks such as writing, dressing, and using utensils. For special education students, developing these skills can be a challenge, but with the right tools and activities, progress can be reached. In this blog post, we’ll explore how educators can use a stapling center to enhance fine motor development in special education students. Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers to perform precise movements. These skills are crucial for tasks such as grasping objects, manipulating tools, and ..read more

Science experiments are not just about understanding concepts; they are about sparking curiosity, fostering creativity, and promoting hands-on learning. For special education students, hands-on activities are even more crucial in making abstract concepts tangible and understandable. One such experiment is the Magic Milk Science Experiment. Simple, engaging, and educational, it’s a perfect tool for educators to ignite a love for science in their students. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Magic Milk Science Experiment and how it can be adapted for special education settings, along with a fr ..read more