Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of education, especially in special education classrooms. Teachers are using it for more and more tasks to help them save time, energy, and money. But is it all it’s cracked up to be, and can it have practical implications for your classroom?  25 Ways to Use AI in the Special Education Classroom While you may think of AI as something like ChatGPT or MagicSchool, AI has been used in special education for quite some time in different forms. Here are 25 innovative ways teachers are using AI to enhance learning experiences for students ..read more

In special education classrooms, developing social skills is a crucial aspect of education. Social skills games provide an engaging and interactive way for teachers to help students improve their social interactions, communication abilities, and emotional understanding. These games not only make learning fun but also create a supportive environment for students to practice essential social skills. Social Skills Games for Special Ed Students Here are some of our favorite fun and practical ideas that teachers can implement in the classroom to enhance social skills through games. Easy Social Ski ..read more

Behavioral momentum is a concept in psychology that refers to the tendency of behavior to persist following an initial, high-probability request or activity. In education, this principle can be a powerful tool for teachers, especially when working with special education students. Behavioral Momentum in Special Ed By leveraging the idea of behavioral momentum, teachers can set the stage for success and help students achieve their learning goals more effectively. What is Behavioral Momentum? Behavioral momentum is based on the idea that engaging in tasks or activities that are relatively easy o ..read more

Teacher Appreciation Month is a special time to acknowledge and honor the incredible work of teachers and paraprofessionals who make a difference in the lives of students every day.  Teacher Appreciation Month Ideas While traditional gifts and gestures are always appreciated, why not think outside the box this year and celebrate in fun and unusual ways? Here are some creative ideas to show your appreciation in a memorable and unique manner. DIY Appreciation Cards Instead of buying pre-made cards, encourage students to get creative and make their own personalized appreciation cards for te ..read more

Task box systems play a crucial role in special education classrooms by providing students with structured and independent learning opportunities. Creating Task Box Systems with Visual Schedules These systems consist of individual tasks or activities stored in bins or containers, allowing students to work through them at their own pace. Task box systems are beneficial for students with diverse learning needs as they promote skill practice, generalization, and independence. They also allow teachers to work with other students while knowing that their students who are assigned task boxes have m ..read more

As a dedicated special ed teacher, I find myself constantly seeking out the most effective teaching methods and resources to engage my students. I also look for the methods and practices that work best for my students and myself. Lamination Experiment One of the age-old debates among teachers is which method is superior when creating manipulatives for teaching: Team Cut-Laminate-Cut or Team Laminate-Cut? Since I make a lot of manipulatives that need to be laminated, this has always been one of the debates that I’ve paid attention to. Determined to put the question to rest, I embarke ..read more

Matching mats are a valuable educational resource that can be used to engage and enhance learning experiences for students across various grade levels and subjects. They work especially well for students in the special education classroom. These mats provide a hands-on and interactive approach to teaching and reinforcing important skills such as pattern recognition, color identification, and matching. Let’s explore what matching mats are, the skills they cover, and how to effectively use them in the special ed classroom. Plus, at the end of the article, you can grab a free mat to use with yo ..read more

In the special education classroom, providing students with engaging and inclusive activities that promote learning and development across various domains is crucial. That’s why I created the Mystery Hundreds Chart Puzzles. Get Your Mystery Hundreds Chart Puzzles Now! These puzzles capture students’ attention and offer a range of benefits that contribute to their overall growth and progress. Skills Practiced Mystery Hundreds Chart Puzzles encompass many skills, making them an ideal addition to any special education curriculum. Let’s take a closer look at the skills that these puzzles practice ..read more

Life skills are essential for individuals to navigate their daily lives effectively and independently. For special education students, these skills take on an even greater significance as they often require additional support and guidance to develop them. Teaching life skills to special education students not only empowers them to become more self-sufficient but also enhances their overall quality of life.  The Importance of Teaching Life Skills to Special Ed Students In this article, we will explore the importance of teaching life skills to special education students, discuss various li ..read more

Student-led IEP meetings are revolutionizing the landscape of special education by empowering students with disabilities to actively participate in shaping their academic and social success. Traditionally, these meetings were primarily led by teachers and parents, often leaving students in a passive role. However, a growing movement towards student-led IEP meetings has emerged, bringing about numerous benefits for both students and their educational teams. Why Student-Led IEP Meetings Are Powerful Student-led IEP meetings provide a unique opportunity for students to develop self-advocacy ski ..read more