Build a Snowman ties fine motor and phonics with snowy fun! I received a special request for these snow-friends from a teacher who used a class set of my Thanksgiving turkeys. Of course, I was thrilled to comply (LOVE requests!). Her class has students of all different reading levels, so I wanted to put a focus on differentiation. The packet includes NINETY snowman: 30 CVC words (short vowel) 30 CVCe words (long vowel with final -e) 30 Initial/Final Blends and Digraphs (all ... continue reading...
Literacy Ideas for October
Welcome October! I always breathe a sigh of relief as the calendar moves from September to October. Not only do I look forward to boots with dresses and PSL (I know, I know), but I also welcome the resemblance of a classroom routine now that Back to School is winding down. October is when I notice many student "lightbulbs" may be going off here and there, plus I'm learning more about what gaps we can fill up through targeted literacy intervention. October in the classroom can ... continue reading...
Differentiation: How Many Ways?
Differentiation... What feeling does that word immediately conjure? (be honest!) For me, I personally feel a sense of excitement. A bit like when you are starting a puzzle that you're pretty sure you're going to rock, lol. BUT I can definitely empathize with anyone who felt a sense of pressure and overwhelm. After all, there are times we could differentiate 29 different ways (or as many as the students in your classroom!). I want to share one of favorite ways to meet a ... continue reading...
Makerspace in Special Education
Do you include Makerspace in your classroom? I've been intrigued with the concept ever since I heard about it! I'm pretty sure every undergrad paper I ever wrote somehow included a quote from Howard Gardner #nerd I kept the thought of offering Makerspace opportunities in my mind as a "someday" for quite awhile (too long!). Why did I wait so long? Number 1 - I'm not a Science teacher nor STEM-certified Number 2 - I'm not a classroom teacher, either! I am a ... continue reading...
A Special Educator’s Introduction
It's Back to School and time for teacher introductions! I've seen so many clever ideas for meeting and greeting new students. Some include props, like treats or school supplies, and others feature an icebreaker activity. So many different ideas, but the one thing that is the same is that these "meet and greets" are especially appropriate for the general education classroom. So how does a special educator introduce himself or herself to new students? In my last blogpost ... continue reading...