Positive affirmations are the encouraging words we say to encourage and motivate ourselves along the way. These are phrases like, “I can do this,” and “Today will be a great day.” Seemingly simple words that have a big impact on our minds. Just some of the benefits for using positive self-talk include: It builds confidence. […]
30+ Ways to Integrate SEL During Distance Learning
Integrating social emotional learning skills is a critical element to any classroom. These are the skills that help learners understand their strengths and challenges, recognize emotions, become socially aware, develop empathy for others, build meaningful relationships, and make positive decisions. Truthfully, the skills listed are only a fraction of what social emotional learning encompasses, but […]
SEL Lessons and Activities for the Virtual Classroom
Social emotional learning is playing a huge role this school year. Of course, SEL is important all of the time, but right now kids and young adults are in special need of support. In order for kids and teens to succeed academically, they also need skills for understanding emotions, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and persevering through […]
12 Reasons Why Every Class Needs Morning Meeting
Morning meeting is a daily time to meet with students and help frame the day for success. Sometimes it might be called a daily check-in or morning circle. Whatever you call it, the idea is pretty simple. Educators sit with their students, greet each other by name, talk about topics that matter, and give everyone […]
15+ Executive Functioning Strategies Every Teacher Can Use
Many kids and young adults struggle with executive functioning challenges. Some are easy to spot, such as when a student can’t focus on a lesson or comes to class without their entire binder. Other EF challenges are less obvious, though. A learner might take two times as long on homework because they don’t understand strategies […]
Top Websites Every Special Educator Should Know
Special educators need a pretty large toolbox of strategies and resources to support our learners. So often, our students can have significantly diverse needs and levels. On any given day, special education teachers might need to take student reading data, modify a math assessment, teach science with hands-on experiments, collaborate with regular educators, meet with […]
12 Reasons Why Special Educators are Really Superheroes
As special educators, we might not be able to read minds or fly, but we certainly are superheroes in action. Whether we are teaching a lesson or running an IEP meeting, special education teachers go above and beyond to help those in need and do what is right. Here are 12 reasons why special educators […]
An Open Letter to Administrators of Special Educators
Dear administrators, Let me start off by saying that I write this letter on behalf of special educators. While it’s true that I might not speak for every single special ed teacher, after spending 10 years in the classroom, I like to think I speak for many. First off, we truly appreciate all that you […]
10 Ways to Build Relationships with Kids
Relationship building is the single most important way you can impact a child’s life. So often, kids actually can’t learn from someone they can’t connect with. I’m also convinced that building a strong relationship with a kid or young adult diminishes a huge number of behavior challenges. Many times I worked with students who were […]
Making a “Getting to Know You” Fortune Teller
The start of the school year is the most critical time to help build positive relationships in your classroom. That’s why I’m always seeking new and fun ways to incorporate “getting to know you” activities for the back to school season. This is the best time to help all students feel part of the classroom […]
