Fast Emergency SPED Plans + Reading Tools You Can Use Tomorrow Life happens. Sick days, substitute emergencies, or last-minute schedule changes can throw any classroom into chaos. For SPED teachers, the stakes are higher—students need routines, structure, and instruction that meets IEP goals. Don’t panic. With a few fast, ready-to-go SPED plans and reading tools, you can keep learning on track without spending hours prepping . 1. Keep Emergency Lesson Templates Ready Have a small binder or digital folder of “emergency SPED plans” that cover: Reading comprehension exercises Phonics/decoding practice Writing prompts Quick social-emotional check-ins 💡 Tip: Color-code by subject or skill to find what you need instantly. 2. Use Ready-to-Go Reading Tools Structured literacy and phonics resources are lifesavers when a sub steps in: Decodable readers for fluency practice Sight word games that don’t require much setup Reading comprehension question cards These tools keep students practicing th...

H ow We Teach Emotional Regulation in SPED Classrooms (Tools That Actually Work) Teach emotional regulation in SPED with proven tools and strategies that help students self-regulate, stay calm, and succeed in the classroom.

  5 Behavior Hacks That Turn October Chaos Into Calm (SPED Teacher Edition) Transform October chaos into classroom calm with 5 SPED teacher behavior hacks - simple, proactive, and ready to use today.

  How to Use Seasonal Printables in Special Education Without Losing Structure How to Use Seasonal Printables in Special Education Without Losing Structure October means pumpkins. November brings turkeys. December… you know what’s coming. Seasonal printables are everywhere, and let’s be honest—our students love them. But here’s the challenge: how do we use them without losing the structure our kids need most? Structure is everything in a special education classroom. Our students thrive on predictable routines, clear expectations, and consistency. So while seasonal printables can be fun, if they throw your schedule into chaos, they’re not helping anyone. The good news? You can have both—engaging seasonal activities and a classroom that stays calm and structured. Here’s how! 1. Plug Printables Into Your Existing Routine Don’t create a brand-new system for every holiday. Instead, swap a seasonal printable into a structure your students already know. Example: Use a pumpkin-themed math...

10 Assistive Tech & Behavior Hacks You Need in Your Classroom This Year  (Even If Your Budget Sucks)

The Ultimate Classroom Behavior Management Toolkit: Strategies and Free Printables for Teachers Classroom behavior management is one of the biggest challenges teachers face. Whether you’re in general education or special education, disruptive behavior can quickly derail learning. The good news? With the right tools in place, you can prevent many issues before they even start and teach students positive strategies for managing their own behavior. Why a Behavior System Works Better Than a Chart Traditional behavior charts often single out students without teaching them replacement skills. A complete system, on the other hand, focuses on: Prevention: Setting clear expectations, routines, and positive incentives Management: Providing calming strategies and reflection tools Instruction: Teaching conflict resolution and self-regulation skills Must-Have Tools for Behavior Success Here are some teacher favorites you can use tomorrow: Calming Corner reflection sheets and mo...

Navigating the Special Education Referral Process: A Step-by-Step Guide Understanding the referral process for special education is crucial for educators, parents, and school staff. This guide provides a clear overview of each step, from identifying concerns to determining eligibility, ensuring that every student receives the support they deserve. 1. Identifying the Need for Referral The journey begins when a teacher or parent observes that a student is struggling academically or behaviorally. It's essential to document specific concerns, such as: Persistent difficulties in reading, writing, or math Challenges in social interactions or communication Emotional or behavioral issues affecting learning Once concerns are identified, it's beneficial to utilize structured tools to document and communicate these observations. The Special Education Pre-Referral Student Assistance Team Forms can assist in this process, providing a standardized approach to recording and sharing...