Blog - Positively Learning

5 Test Prep Steps I Always Teach My Students

Please note that as I share what test prep steps look like, I'm speaking from my experience working with K-2 students. I have lots of feelings about even having to teach these skills topic, however testing was a non-negotiable for the district I taught in. As a result, I tried to make this engaging test prep include best practices for whenever we want to put our best foot forward! What Should Test Prep Include? Young students benefit from following a series of steps that don't ... continue reading...

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Free Groundhog Activity

Happy Groundhog Day! If you ever wondered what Punxsutawney Phil might say (and hasn't everyone?!?) ...you will enjoy this free Groundhog Day activity! I used this groundhog literacy activity with my first grade reading groups every February. The first page is six sentences to be cut out. Students will read the sentences with a partner and then write to add the quotation marks. An answer key is also included for the option of turning this activity into a self-checking literacy ... continue reading...

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Positive Behavior Charts

Positive behavior charts can be such an effective classroom management tool, but even the best chart starts to lose its "fizzle." STAGE ONE - a target behavior has been identified and a behavior plan has been made. STAGE TWO - The "perfect" behavior chart has been chosen and implemented. Everyone's excited about the new plan! a.k.a. the "honeymoon" phase STAGE THREE - hold the phone, what's going on? The plan has been in place for about one or two weeks. ... continue reading...

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Present Levels in Special Education

What does Present Levels mean in special education? How are present levels written and how do they help students? Definition of Present Levels in Special Education Present Levels in special education can be referred to by many different names and acronyms. By the way, Special Education acronyms are a REAL thing and for fun AND they sometimes change slightly between states: PLAP - Present Levels of Academic Performance PLAAFP - Present Levels of Academics and Functional ... continue reading...

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Apple Week in the Special Education Classroom

Apple, apples, everywhere...including the special education classroom setting! This is a round-up post on how we celebrate "Apple Week," except... we don't actually celebrate for a week. Instead we sprinkle some fun and delicious apple learning into our everyday resource room activities. Apple Read Aloud Books All good classroom celebrations should include festive read alouds! Here are our apple favorites (the following books include affiliate links): Apple for Everyone ... continue reading...

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