Small group planning and differentiation usually top the list of questions I receive as an instructional coach. Last year, I shared some quick tips for pulling small groups in the inclusion setting. These tips were based on the success I experienced after trying MULTIPLE ways to support students in small groups. These suggestions have continued to support teachers however, TRUST YOURSELF - you know your students best and what they need to succeed. It's not SMALL vs. WHOLE What ... continue reading...
Plastic Easter Egg Activities
If you are anything like me, you have SO many leftover plastic Easter eggs lying around. I was on the search to put them to GOOD use! Let's face it, Easter eggs seem to multiple every year and this many eggs take up quite a bit of space. Mine certainly don't look as good as the picture above either. Evidence: Luckily, these activities will keep your students learning and they can be used ANY time of the year. I've divided up these plastic Easter egg activities into three ... continue reading...
Books about Autism
I'm sharing my classroom recommendations for read aloud books about autism. If you're anything like me, you collect books like you are planning on opening a children's library someday. I definitely have more books than days of the school year. You, too? Or is that just me? This post is slight twist on the usual favorite books post, because this time I'm revealing what my STUDENTS thought of the books. Of course, as always, I'll be throwing in my opinion here and ... continue reading...
Accountable Talk
How do you incorporate accountable talk in the K-2 classroom? If you've been following me for awhile here (thank you!), you may remember my original post on accountable talk. It was from way back in 2014 when our school was just starting to embrace using accountable talk to push student discourse. I created a quick reference to support a newer teacher, as well as myself, in the classroom. Shortly after this, visual posters began appearing on our walls with hand signals for "I ... continue reading...
100th Day of School
Happy 100th Day of School! Before you read much farther, I have some sad, sad news... The first grade team doesn't celebrate the 100th day of school! Does your school designate special activities and celebrations to honor 100 days of learning? Maybe we skip it because it's already feels SO busy with many special days and "interruptions" to our routine, like snow days. I still don't think that's any reason to move forward without acknowledging the 100th day...couldn't we fit it ... continue reading...
