Let’s be real—special education teachers juggle a lot. From managing behaviors to prepping visuals and collecting data, we’re constantly moving in a million directions. And if you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to find a break card or recreate a visual schedule mid-meltdown… you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why I created the Ultimate Special Education Toolkit—a done-for-you, print-and-go resource packed with the tools that make daily life in a SPED classroom run smoother.

What’s in the Toolkit?

This bundle includes the essentials I’ve used for years in my own classroom and the classrooms I have supported as a specialist—and that I always recommend to other teachers. Inside, you’ll find:

✅ Visual Supports

• First/Then boards
• Visual schedules (perfect for transitions!)
• Lanyard Visuals
• Communication visuals

Visuals are non-negotiable in most special ed settings. They help students understand expectations, reduce anxiety, and build independence. I’ve included a variety so you can easily adapt them to different learners.

✅ Behavior Tools

• Break cards
• Calm-down strategy visuals
• Behavior tracking sheets
• Positive reinforcement tools

We all have those moments where behaviors start escalating and we need a response now. These tools help you be proactive and reactive with clear, supportive options at your fingertips.

✅ Organization Resources

• IEP Binder
• Daily data sheets
• Staff communication forms
• Binder covers & section dividers

Let’s face it—organization can be overwhelming. This toolkit helps you stay ahead of paperwork, communicate clearly with your team, and streamline your systems so you can focus more on your students.

Who Is It For?

This toolkit is ideal for:

• Special education teachers (self-contained, resource, or inclusion)
• New teachers looking for a solid foundation
• Veteran teachers who want to simplify and refresh
• SLPs, OTs, and support staff needing visuals and behavior supports
• Home educators working with students who benefit from structure

How I Use It in My Classroom and Recommend it to Other Teachers

I keep everything organized in a binder system and a few labeled file folders. Visuals are laminated and Velcroed so they’re always ready to grab and go. I even make a mini portable set with First/Then boards and break cards that travels with me to pull-out sessions or behavior check-ins.

Ready to Feel More Prepared?

If you’re ready to spend less time reinventing the wheel and more time connecting with your students, this toolkit is for you.

👉 Click here to grab the Ultimate Special Education Toolkit on TpT

Let me know how it works for you—I love hearing what’s helping you and your students thrive!

You’ve got this 💛

Extended School Year (ESY) is just around the corner—and while it may be shorter than the regular school year, it can come with its own set of challenges for special educators.

Whether you’re teaching ESY for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, prepping ahead can make your summer smoother, more structured, and a whole lot less stressful. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite ESY prep tips—plus a free printable checklist set to help you stay organized.

🏖️ What Makes ESY Different?

ESY isn’t summer school. It’s designed to help students with IEPs maintain critical skills and prevent regression during the long summer break. That means your focus will likely shift to:

• Fewer students
• Mixed ability levels
• Shorter sessions
• More targeted instruction
• Limited access to your usual classroom tools

Because of this, simple routines, flexible planning, and strong visual supports are key.

✅ ESY Prep Tips for Special Education Teachers

1. Stick with Structure

Even in a more relaxed summer setting, structure is everything—especially for students who thrive on routine. Set up a clear visual schedule, consistent transition cues, and repeatable daily activities. The more predictable it is, the smoother it will run.

2. Build Around IEP Goals

Your instruction should center on maintaining progress in key areas from each student’s IEP. Use simple, targeted activities like file folders, task boxes, or adapted books that align with those goals.

💡 Pro tip: Create a goal-at-a-glance sheet for each student to keep handy while planning.

3. Prep Your Behavior Supports Early

Have your break cards, token boards, visual reminders, and calming strategies ready to go. These supports are often the difference between a successful day and a stressful one—especially when you’re working with students you may not know well.

4. Keep It Low-Prep and Flexible

ESY can change fast—rosters shift, paras may be new, and time is tight. Focus on activities that are easy to reuse, adapt, and organize. Errorless file folders, matching tasks, and simple communication visuals are lifesavers.

📋 Free Resource: ESY Planning Checklists

To help you get started, I created a FREE set of ESY planning checklists just for special educators. Inside, you’ll find:

• ✅ A teacher prep checklist
• ✅ A folder prep checklist

🎁 Click here to download your free ESY checklists!

💬 Final Thoughts

ESY may feel overwhelming at first—but with a little prep and the right tools, you can create a calm, productive summer experience for you and your students.

Let me know in the comments: Are you teaching ESY this year? What’s one thing you always prep ahead?

And if you need ready-to-go materials for ESY instruction, behavior support, or visuals—take a peek at my Special Education Clubhouse resources over on TPT. I’ve got you covered!

As the school year winds down, excitement builds—but so can dysregulation. Routines shift, attention spans waver, and even our most predictable students can start to feel a little off balance.

In a special education classroom, this time of year requires a thoughtful mix of structure, flexibility, and proactive planning. Here are five end-of-year behavior supports that can help you keep your classroom calm and connected through the final stretch.

1. Stick to Visuals Like Glue

Even when your schedule changes, visuals give students a predictable routine.

✅ Keep your visual schedule posted and updated.
✅ Use first/then charts to simplify tasks during special events.
✅ Pull out transition visuals for assemblies, field trips, and classroom moves.

Pro Tip: Prep a mini “visual board” for the last two weeks with common changes like “movie,” “picnic,” or “assembly.” Post it in the morning for a quick visual cue.

2. Use Break Cards Proactively

Students often feel overwhelmed during unstructured times. Instead of waiting for a meltdown, encourage students to take breaks early and often.

I use Break Cards in May (sometimes more than almost any other time of year).

They:

• Help students to advocate for their needs
• Help prevent sensory overload
• Build independence in self-regulation

👉 You can check out the break cards I use here.

3. Set Clear Routines for “Fun Days”

Field Day, end-of-year parties, and themed events are fun—but can also be chaotic. Create mini-routines within these special events:

• Social stories for what to expect (I have MANY in my TpT shop to help)
• Task strips like “First eat snack → Then play game → Then take a break”
• A printed visual checklist for students to carry

The more your students can anticipate the next step, the safer they’ll feel.

4. Honor Emotional Transitions

Some students feel excited to finish the year. Others are confused, anxious, or even sad.

Make time for short emotional check-ins:

• Morning “feelings check” boards
• Daily countdowns (“3 more days of speech!”)
• Goodbye or “next year” social stories to prep students for change

5. Keep Expectations (Gently) High

It’s tempting to let everything slide in the final days—but students often thrive when we stay consistent.

✔️ Keep your classroom rules visible
✔️ Use token boards or reinforcement to encourage positive behavior
✔️ Acknowledge effort, not just results: “I noticed you asked for a break before you got upset. That’s great self-awareness!”

You’re Not Alone

The last weeks of school can feel like juggling jello—but your tools, strategies, and calm presence make all the difference. If you need some printable support, my calm corner toolkit and social stories are ready to go, no prep needed.

And if you want monthly content like this delivered to your inbox—with resources to match—make sure you’re on my email list here.

You’ve got this. Finish strong! 💛

—Kristin

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity and promote a deeper understanding of Autism in our schools and communities. As special education teachers, we have the unique opportunity—and responsibility—to create inclusive, accepting environments for all of our students.

Rather than focusing solely on awareness, Autism Acceptance encourages us to go further: to recognize, value, and support students with Autism for who they are.

Here are a few meaningful ways you can embrace Autism Acceptance in your classroom this April (and all year long):

💡 1. Focus on Strengths, Not Just Challenges

Every student has gifts—some are obvious, others take a little longer to uncover. Celebrate your students’ strengths and interests, and build them into your lessons when possible. A student who loves trains, animals, or video games? Those can be powerful motivators and learning tools!

Tip: Create a “strengths spotlight” where students can share their favorite things or talents in a way that’s comfortable for them.

💬 2. Use Respectful, Person-Centered Language

Language matters. When speaking about Autism, use language that respects identity and preferences. Some students and adults prefer identity-first language (“Autistic person”), while others prefer person-first (“person with Autism”). The most respectful thing to do? Ask and honor each individual’s preference.

Tip: In your classroom, model inclusive, positive language and encourage your team to do the same.

📚 3. Teach About Neurodiversity

Help your students understand that everyone’s brain works differently—and that’s a good thing. Teaching neurodiversity helps create a culture of empathy, understanding, and acceptance among all students.

Tip: Use age-appropriate books, videos, or visual supports to explore what Autism is and how we can support our peers.

🛠 4. Use Predictable Routines & Visual Supports

Students with Autism often thrive in environments with structure, visual supports, and clear expectations. These tools reduce anxiety and help students feel more secure and independent.

Tip: Use visual schedules, first-then boards, break cards, and calming strategies daily. Not only do they help students on the spectrum—they benefit the whole class!

❤️ 5. Celebrate Individuality, Every Day

Autism Acceptance Month is a great time to reflect, but the real work happens day by day. Let’s create classrooms where students are seen, heard, supported, and accepted—not just tolerated.

Tip: Let students’ voices guide your supports. Whether through speech, AAC, behavior, or gestures—communication is communication. Every way of expressing is valid.

Autism Acceptance starts with us—as educators, as advocates, and as people who believe every student deserves to be valued for who they are.

This month, let’s go beyond awareness. Let’s build communities of belonging, support, and true acceptance.

💌 Want more tools to support your students with Autism?
Be sure to check out my free and low-prep resources in the Special Education Clubhouse shop! From visual supports to calming strategies, I’ve got you covered.

Tracking student progress for IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) is essential, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between lesson planning, behavior management, and daily routines, finding time to collect meaningful data can be a challenge.

But here’s the good news—IEP data collection doesn’t have to be complicated! With the right strategies, you can make it part of your daily routine without stress.

Why Is IEP Data Collection Important?

IEP data helps teachers:
✅ Monitor student progress toward goals
✅ Make informed decisions about instruction
✅ Provide documentation for IEP meetings and reports
✅ Advocate for student needs with clear, objective information

The key is finding a system that works for you and sticking with it!

3 Simple Strategies to Track IEP Data Without the Stress

1. Use a Simple System 📂

Find a system that’s easy to manage and fits into your daily routine. Some options include:
📝 IEP Data Binders – Use a binder with student tabs and quick-check progress sheets.
💻 Digital Spreadsheets – Google Sheets or Excel allow for fast input and easy tracking over time.
📌 Sticky Notes or Index Cards – Keep notes handy for quick observations, then transfer them weekly to a main log.

The best system is the one you’ll actually use!

2. Make Data Collection Part of Your Routine ⏳

Instead of letting data pile up, incorporate it into your daily or weekly schedule. Try:
✔️ 5-Minute Check-Ins – Take quick notes right after small group instruction or independent work.
✔️ Color-Coded Charts – Assign different colors to different skills to make trends easy to spot.
✔️ Student Self-Tracking – For older students, use simple self-assessment checklists to encourage independence.

3. Focus on What Matters 🎯

IEP goals should be specific and measurable—but that doesn’t mean you have to track everything!
🔹 Stick to the key skills outlined in the IEP.
🔹 Track progress at regular intervals (weekly or biweekly) instead of daily to avoid burnout.
🔹 Look for patterns over time rather than focusing on every single response.

IEP data collection doesn’t have to take over your day. By using a simple system, making it part of your routine, and focusing on key skills, you’ll collect meaningful data with less stress.

March is here, and it’s the perfect time to add some fun and engaging math activities to your classroom! If you’re looking for a hands-on way to reinforce number sense, counting, and 1-1 correspondence skills, I’ve got the perfect resource for you—my March Tens Frames Task Cards set! And the best part? You can grab these task cards for FREE when you join my email list!

Why Use Tens Frames?

Tens frames are an excellent tool for helping students develop strong number sense. By organizing numbers in a structured way, students can visualize quantities, understand relationships between numbers, which helps to build a solid foundation for addition and subtraction. These task cards make learning interactive, engaging, and effective!

📩 Click here to grab your FREE March Task Cards!

How to Use These Task Cards in Your Classroom:

Here are a few fun ways to incorporate these ten frames into your math lessons:

• Matching Game: Have students match the ten frame to the correct number card.
• Number Talks: Use the cards to discuss different ways to make a number.
• Small Group Work: Practice counting and number recognition in small groups.
• Math Centers: Set up a hands-on ten frames station where students can explore numbers in a fun, interactive way.
• Write the Number: Have students use dry-erase markers to write the number that matches the ten frame.

📩 Click here to grab your FREE March Task Cards!

Teaching reading in small groups is one of the most effective ways to provide targeted, individualized support in a special education classroom. These smaller settings allow you to meet each student where they are, address specific reading goals, and create a supportive environment that builds literacy skills and confidence. In this post, we’ll look at the benefits of teaching reading in small groups, I’ll also provide strategies for creating engaging sessions, and suggest practical ways to track and assess progress for your students.

Why Small Group Reading Works in Special Education

Small group reading instruction allows for:

• Personalized Learning: Each student’s unique needs can be addressed with appropriate levels of support and materials.
• Higher Engagement: Students are more engaged in smaller settings, where they have more opportunities to participate and receive immediate feedback.
• Targeted Skill Development: Whether focusing on phonics, fluency, comprehension, or vocabulary, small groups allow for targeted, skill-based instruction that is tailored to individual IEP goals.

Strategies for Structuring Effective Small Group Reading Sessions

1. Grouping Students by Skill Level or Reading Goal

Creating groups based on specific reading needs—such as phonemic awareness, comprehension, or fluency—ensures that your instruction meets each student’s current skill level. Small groups might change over time as students progress or new goals are identified. By grouping students with similar needs, you can create more focused lesson plans and make the most of each session.

2. Incorporating Multi-Sensory Techniques

Multi-sensory learning is especially effective for students with diverse learning needs. For reading, this might include:

• Tactile Materials: Use letter tiles, sandpaper letters, or textured flashcards to engage students who learn through touch.
• Auditory Tools: Incorporate phonics songs, rhyming activities, or tapping techniques that let students feel and hear the sounds of each letter or word.
• Visual Supports: Use picture cards, illustrated books, and color-coded text to reinforce vocabulary and comprehension.

Multi-sensory activities make reading instruction more accessible for students with Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences, as they can process information in a way that best suits their learning style.

3. Differentiating Materials and Approaches

When planning small group reading activities, it’s important to adapt materials and approaches for each student. For example:

• Struggling Decoders: Use phonics-based games and simplified texts to help students practice breaking down sounds and words.
• Emergent Readers: Try books with predictable, repetitive text patterns and high-frequency words to build confidence.
• On Level Readers: Challenge students with higher-level comprehension questions and vocabulary exercises to support deeper understanding and vocabulary growth.

Keep each session varied by combining reading, discussion, and interactive activities like matching games, sentence building, and story retelling. This helps maintain interest and keeps the learning fresh and engaging.

4. Building Confidence with Positive Reinforcement

Encourage and reward your students’ progress, no matter how small, to build students’ confidence in their reading skills. Use specific, positive feedback, such as “Great job sounding out that word!” or “I love how you pointed to each word as you read.” This encouragement makes students feel successful and reinforces the skills they’re learning.

Incorporate visual progress trackers, like sticker charts or checklists, to show students their growth over time. This can be particularly motivating for students who may feel challenged by reading and need extra support to build their confidence.

Creating a Supportive Reading Environment

Teaching reading in small groups in special education classrooms is a great way to help your students benefit from individualized, skill-focused instruction. By creating a supportive, engaging small group setting, you can provide each student with the tools and encouragement they need to become confident readers.

Remember, every small step is a success. Celebrate each win, be patient, and enjoy the journey as you support your students in their reading development. Small groups allow you to make a meaningful difference in each student’s reading journey, setting them up for long-term success and a love of learning!

The fall season brings a wonderful opportunity to incorporate fun Halloween or Fall themed sensory, social-emotional and academic activities into your special education classroom. From the vibrant colors of fall leaves to the excitement of Halloween, this time of year is full of fun learning opportunities for your students. In this post, we’ll explore engaging activities for social-emotional learning, sensory exploration, crafts, and academics—all which can be adjusted to the needs of your students. Here are some fall-themed activities that I think your students will love!

1. Social-Emotional Learning: Identifying Emotions through Halloween Characters

Halloween is a great time to explore emotions through playful, creative activities. You can connect social-emotional learning to Halloween by using familiar characters like pumpkins, ghosts, and friendly monsters.

Activity: Pumpkin Emotions Faces

• Objective: Help students identify and express emotions.
• Materials:
  • Large pumpkin cut-outs (paper or foam)
  • Velcro or sticky tack
  • Pre-made facial features (eyes, mouths, eyebrows) showing different emotions (happy, sad, angry, surprised, scared)

How It Works:
Display a large pumpkin face and give students different facial features to attach. Ask them to create a happy pumpkin, a scared pumpkin, or any other emotion. You can extend the activity by asking students to discuss what makes them feel the same way as the pumpkin they create. This fun twist allows students to practice recognizing and naming emotions in a low-pressure and still festive way.

2. Fall-Themed Sensory Bins

Fall is full of a variety of textures and colors, making it the perfect time to introduce sensory play to your special education classroom. Sensory bins can help students regulate their emotions and engage in calming, hands-on learning. Most of all, it’s fun!

Activity: Spooky Sensory Bin

Materials:

• Dried corn kernels, small pumpkin seeds, or dyed orange rice as the base
• Plastic spiders, mini pumpkins, cotton “spider webs”
• Scoops, tongs, or spoons

How It Works:
Fill a large bin with your sensory materials (corn kernels, seeds, or rice) and hide small Halloween-themed objects inside, like plastic spiders or mini pumpkins. Students can use scoops or tongs to find the hidden objects, working on fine motor skills while also engaging in sensory exploration. Sensory bins like this are especially calming for students who benefit from tactile input. You can also make this academic by adding in one of my sensory bin activities! Check them out here!

Sensory Bin Themes available in my store:

• Fall Sensory Bin Shape Matching
• Fall Sensory Bin Alphabet Matching
• Fall Sensory Bin Number Matching

3. Craft Ideas: Halloween-Themed Art Projects

Craft projects offer students a chance to express their creativity while also developing fine motor skills and following step-by-step directions. Here are a couple of Halloween-themed craft ideas that are both fun and manageable for special education students.

Activity: Paper Plate Ghosts

• Objective: Encourage creativity while developing cutting, gluing, and following instructions.
• Materials:
  • Paper plates
  • White tissue paper
  • Googly eyes
  • Black construction paper (for the mouth)
  • Glue sticks and safety scissors

How It Works:
Students can glue white tissue paper strips onto the bottom of a paper plate to create the ghost’s “tail.” Add googly eyes and a black construction paper mouth to complete the ghost’s face. This craft is simple, adaptable for different skill levels, and allows students to practice basic motor skills while creating a spooky decoration.

Activity: Pumpkin Stamping

• Objective: Develop fine motor and sensory skills through an art activity.
• Materials:
  • Mini pumpkins
  • Orange, green, and brown paint
  • Paper or canvas

How It Works:
Dip mini pumpkins in orange paint and let students stamp them onto paper or canvas to create their own pumpkin patch. You can extend this activity by adding green leaves and vines with thumbprints or paintbrushes. The textured surface of the pumpkins adds a sensory element to the project, and students love seeing their stamped pumpkins come to life!

Fall and Halloween present special opportunities to engage special education students with sensory, social-emotional, academic, and craft activities that make learning fun and relevant to the season. Whether you’re focusing on emotions, sensory exploration, or reinforcing math and literacy skills, these festive activities help create a rich, multisensory learning environment that supports the diverse needs of your students.

Remember, the key is to keep activities adaptable, engaging, and connected to the goals you’ve set for your students. With a few tweaks to meet your students’ individual needs, you can make this fall a fun and successful learning experience for everyone!

Have you heard about the Special Education Clubhouse Membership?? Check it out HERE!

Classroom transitions can be one of the trickiest parts of the day for special education teachers. Whether it’s moving from one subject to another or transitioning from a whole-class activity to individual work, these moments can cause anxiety and disruption for students with special needs. The key to managing smooth transitions is providing clear expectations, consistent routines, and sensory-friendly strategies. Let’s explore 3 essential tips to reduce chaos and improve transitions in your special education classroom.

1. Implement Visual Schedules

For many students, visual schedules are a game-changer. They offer structure and help students understand what’s coming next. Use a combination of picture symbols, written words, or first-then boards to display the day’s activities. Here are some practical ways to implement visual schedules:

• Individual Schedules: Each student can have a personal schedule to refer to throughout the day. This is especially helpful for students who benefit from one-on-one support or have unique learning plans.
• Whole-Class Schedules: A large, visual schedule placed at the front of the classroom allows everyone to see the plan for the day. Consider using Velcro pieces, which can be moved as each activity is completed.
• Interactive Schedules: Let students participate in managing the schedule by moving the picture or word cards themselves. This simple act can give students a sense of control and reduce transition anxiety.

If you’re looking for individualized visual schedules check out my Visual Schedules Bundle, perfect for setting up personalized or classroom-wide systems.

2. Use Timers and Auditory Cues

Timers are fantastic tools for signaling transitions. They give students a visual or auditory reminder that a change is coming, which can help them mentally prepare. Here are a few ways to use them effectively:

• Countdown Timers: Display a countdown timer on a screen, or use handheld timers that visually show how much time is left. This helps students transition without feeling rushed.
• Auditory Cues: Some teachers use fun transition songs to signal the start of ending an activity or beginning a new activity. This not only provides a clear auditory cue for your students, but also adds an element of fun. Consistent cues like a specific chime or song create predictable routines for students.

Tip: Combine both! Start the visual timer, then use an auditory cue when it’s time to switch activities.

3. Create Sensory-Friendly Transition Strategies

Many students struggle with sensory overload during transitions. Creating sensory-friendly routines and spaces can significantly reduce stress. Here’s how:

• Calm Corners: Set up a designated space in your classroom where students can go during or after a transition if they feel overwhelmed. This space can include fidget tools, soft cushions, and other sensory supports.
• Transition Cues for Sensory Needs: Incorporate movement breaks, deep pressure activities, or breathing exercises before or after transitions to help regulate students’ sensory systems. For example, students can stretch, push a heavy object, or do a quick breathing exercise to release pent-up energy.

Having these sensory supports in place helps make transitions less stressful and more manageable for students with sensory processing challenges.

Would you like more help managing transitions? Don’t forget to check out my visual schedule kit, classroom management tools, and sensory resources designed to support you and your students.