Visual Reminders & Supports
Behavior / Classroom / Social Thinking

Visual Reminders & Supports

My High School kiddos with Autism & Asperger’s Syndrome require extra visual supports and reminders of expected behaviors and social skills. For a student that wanders For a student that is always shouting based on the Incredible 5-Point Scale written by Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis,©2012. All Right Reserved. 5 Point Scale Website For a student that needs … Continue reading

Sensory Room – Autism
Behavior / Sensory / Teacher Inspirations

Sensory Room – Autism

This year I took on the task to design, develop and implement a Sensory Room at one of my High Schools. After extensive research and collaboration to develop a better understanding of how my students perceive the world, integrate sensory information, and modulate their own nervous system – I was ready to start the Sensory Room … Continue reading

Cognitive Impairment Communication
Behavior / communication

Cognitive Impairment Communication

Providing a safe, loving school environment is essential for students with more severe disabilities/cognitive impairments.  I have had the pleasure of teaching students with disabilities such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Developing a method of communication is an essential life skill that needs to be developed and practiced constantly.   … Continue reading

Supports for Behavior Disorders
Behavior / Classroom

Supports for Behavior Disorders

Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence Assessment Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence  (ABC) Assessment is a direct observation tool that can be used to collect information about the events that are occurring within a student’s environment. By examining the 3 components (antecedent, behavior, consequence) together the teacher can start to understand why the behavior happens. The assessment is used to organize information and provide … Continue reading

Have I Earned My Free Time?
Behavior / Classroom / Social Thinking

Have I Earned My Free Time?

Whole Classroom & Individualized Behavior Management in one! I base my classroom behavior around earning “Free Time” by using a chart in the front of the classroom.  Each student EARNS their 5 minute free time breaks AFTER each lesson.  Free time is set with a timer and is always 5 minutes in length.  The students … Continue reading

Special Education Behavior & Classroom Management
Behavior / Classroom / Sensory / Social Thinking

Special Education Behavior & Classroom Management

In developing a positive learning environment, a teacher needs to base their classroom management foundation off of the following two concepts: individualized behavior management and whole classroom management. Together these two concepts create an effective discipline in the classroom. In special education classrooms, students display many different types of behaviors such as ADHD, Autism/Cognitively Impaired, … Continue reading

Executive Functioning
Behavior

Executive Functioning

Executive Functioning consists of the essential self-regulation skills needed to successfully participate and function in a classroom setting – and in life! Poor executive functioning shows up as an inability to prioritize tasks, maintain focus and cooperate with others. Problems with executive skills often go hand-in-hand with learning disabilities and attention problems, which are both … Continue reading

Overview of Individualized Behavior Management
Behavior / Classroom / Sensory

Overview of Individualized Behavior Management

In developing a positive learning environment, a teacher needs to base their classroom management foundation off of the following two concepts: individualized behavior management and whole classroom management. Together these two concepts create an effective discipline in the classroom. 1) Individualized Behavior Management In special education classrooms, students display many different types of behaviors such … Continue reading