How to Use an Adapted Binder in the Classroom

Special Educators – If you are looking for a way to provide your students with independent work practice that is tailored to their individual needs, then look no further than an adapted book busy binder! These binders are an interactive way for students to work on IEP goals and skills, and they can be used for morning work or anytime during the day. 

Creating one binder per student is a great way to make sure each student's needs are being met, or you can mix and match the IEP skills pages to create multiple busy books. These activities can also be added to task boxes, file folders, or any other type of hands-on independent work system. Keep reading to learn more about how to use an adapted book busy binder in your classroom!

What is an Adapted Book Busy Binder?

This adapted work binder is filled with interactive activities that are specifically designed to help students work on IEP goals and skills. These binders can be customized to provide instructional support that meets each students' individual needs, making them a great tool for differentiating instruction. 

Benefits of Using Adapted Book Busy Binders

There are many benefits of using adapted book busy binders in the classroom! Once you get started, you'll be able to add onto this list:

• They help students work on IEP goals and skills in a fun and interactive way. 
• Binder tasks can also be used as a form of work samples and data collection for an upcoming IEP meeting.
• Busy Books are durable and long lasting, so you can use them year after year. 
• They are easy to customize and tailor to each individual student's needs. 
• Tasks provide students with independent work practice that is specifically designed for them. 
• They help promote fine motor development, visual perceptual skills, and independence.

How to Use Adapted Book Busy Binders in the Classroom

There are endless ways to use adapted book busy binders in the classroom. Here are just a few ideas: 

• Use them for morning binders, early finishers, or as a daily independent work activity. 
• Students can complete the activities during centers or small groups (this works in the resource room or general education classroom setting).
• Use them as a reinforcement activity after teaching a new skill or concept. 
• Student binders can be overseen by support staff while you are working with a small group.
• Send them home over school vacations or breaks so students can stay sharp and continue working on their skills. 

What's Included in the IEP Skills Busy Binders for Elementary Students

These are the basic skills and early academic areas included in the binders – mix and match the different levels of skill work to meet student needs:

• “Base” Pages – these are the pages that create the busy book!
• “Adapted” Pages – low prep pages with interactive pictures and small answer pieces
• Binder Covers – all pages are landscape (horizontal orientation)
• Early Learning Skills – weather, colors, shapes, patterns
• Fine Motor Skills Pages – tracing, connect the dots, and pencil paths
• Interactive Pages – feelings, date, days of the week, month
• Literacy – letter sounds, alphabet, sight words, rhyming, syllables, phonics
• Math – numbers 1-10 and 1-20, comparing numbers, addition, subtraction

Introduce the busy book at the beginning of the year using direct instruction and clear expectations, then provide opportunities for daily practice on various skills. These independent work binders do not follow a monthly theme – so you can use them throughout the entire year.

As a special education teacher, you're working with different students all day. Independent work stations (busy binders, task boxes, file folder activities) are a versatile and effective tool to meet the variety of needs you work with, regardless of special education setting. f you are looking for a way to help your students practice IEP goals and skills in a fun and interactive way, then be sure to check out these adaptable binders!