5 Strategies for Teaching Feature, Function, and Class in Special Education
Teaching feature, function, and class in special education (FFC) is a key part of language development, especially for students with autism and other communication challenges. These foundational skills help learners understand relationships between objects, their purposes, and their categories—critical for building vocabulary, receptive identification, and conversation skills. Here are five strategies to make teaching FFC […]
How to Improve Communication with Families Through Daily Reports in Special Education
Are you ready for a new school year? One crucial element in special education is effective communication between school and home. Our latest podcast episode dives deep into daily reports in special education and how they can significantly impact student progress and family collaboration. Why Daily Reports Matter in Special Education Daily reports in special […]
Potty Training Tips for Children with Autism: You’re not Alone!
Potty training tips for children with autism On a recent episode of the Misfit Behaviorists podcast, Caitlin and I did a 2-part series on … dun dun dun … potty training, especially potty training tips for children with autism, cuz that’s our love! Woohoo! If you have a neurodivergent child or work with students with […]
Back to School Essentials: Interactive Calendar Activities for Special Education Morning Meeting
Morning meetings and circle time are essential for setting a positive tone and building community in any classroom, but they can be especially challenging to keep engaging and educational for students with special needs. Finding interactive calendar activities for special education morning meetings that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities can feel like searching […]
Compassionate Care ABA in Schools: Moving Beyond Rewards & Punishments
Have you ever felt like traditional Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) methods were missing a crucial element – compassion? The good news is, ABA is evolving! In a recent episode of the Misfit Behaviorists podcast, my co-host Caitlin and I had a heart-to-heart about the importance of compassionate care ABA in schools. Let’s dive into what […]
Streamline Receptive Language Goal Tracking – A IEP Data Binder Solution
Receptive language goal tracking for your IEP data binder! Are you overwhelmed by tracking receptive language IEP goals for your students, especially those with autism or speech and language disorders? Juggling objectives, data sheets, and creating materials on the fly can steal precious teaching time. Today I want to tell you about the “Receptive Language […]
Autism Awareness Month 2024: Creating an Inclusive Classroom
Supporting Autistic Students Beyond April and Autism Awareness Month April is Autism Awareness Month, but true inclusion for autistic students in preschool or elementary classroom means making all our schools welcoming spaces all year round. Understanding autism, recognizing the unique needs of each child, and making thoughtful adjustments can foster a learning environment where everyone […]
How to Teach Class and Categorization for Language Development
Teaching class and categorizing skills is essential for building a strong foundation for language development. Understanding how things relate to each other through feature, function, and class (FFC) expands vocabulary, improves comprehension, and supports communication. This is especially important for young learners, those with special education needs, and during speech therapy. If you’re looking for […]
Teach Emotions & Letters The FUN Way: ABC Emotions for SEL Success
Are you a parent or educator looking for creative ways to support social-emotional learning (SEL) in young learners, especially those with autism? Teaching emotions can be a challenge, but it’s a vital skill for kids to develop. The ABCs of Emotions transforms the alphabet into a fun and engaging tool for building emotional literacy, self-regulation, […]
Navigating the Holidays in Preschool and Special Education
The holiday season is a time filled with excitement, new experiences, and festive activities. For preschool and special education teachers, it presents unique opportunities to infuse joy into learning while being mindful of the challenges that some students may face. Navigating the holidays for special education can be fun and games or it can be […]
Integrating EdTech and Interactive Tools in Special Education Classrooms
In this digital age, technology in special education is essential to support diverse learners. Educational technology (EdTech) isn’t just an add-on; it’s a critical tool for creating a more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environment. From Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies to tracking Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, discover how EdTech in special education enhances […]
Winter Holiday Activities for Preschool and Special Education
Winter holiday activities for preschool and special education Looking for winter holiday activities for preschool and special education? What a wonderful way to teach about diversity and inclusion! It’s important that even the youngest students learn that holiday traditions are different around the world and here at home. They may have friends who have different […]
Essential Cognitive IEP Goals for Preschoolers: Nurturing Early Learning Success
Why are Cognitive IEP goals important for preschool special education students? Navigating the early years of education for a child with special needs requires a thoughtful approach to their individual learning style. Cognitive IEP goals are a cornerstone of this journey, creating a roadmap for success in preschool and on. Let’s look at the importance […]
5 Essential Benefits of Teaching Social Skills to Preschoolers
How important is teaching social skills to preschoolers? So much! Social skills in early childhood education are more than just manners; they are the building blocks for successful interactions and future relationships. I’ve got five critical reasons why explicitly teaching social skills to preschoolers can significantly impact their academic success and personal growth. From fostering […]
Teaching Knock Knock Jokes to Preschool Language Learners
When we think of tools for preschool language learning, textbooks, flashcards, and apps might come to mind. But have you ever considered the humble knock-knock joke as an educational powerhouse? Surprisingly, these simple jokes hold immense potential in advancing language skills among preschoolers. Not only do they bring giggles and smiles, but knock-knock jokes also play […]