Be The Exception In Special Education

Benefits of Using Board Games in Special Education Blog

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101. How to Reframe Your Mindset on Behavior Mar 24, 2022

Show notes

Everyone gets stressed, some of us more than others (am I right?). But have you ever stopped and thought about the stress levels of your students? And have you ever thought about how that stress can affect their behavior?

In this week's episode I am chatting with Anne from A Neurodivergent Way about reframing your mindset on behavior and ways that you can help your students deal with stress levels for easier days in the classroom.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of understanding what causes stress for your students.
How to adapt your mindset to reframe your thoughts on behavior.
How to assess the levels of the work you are asking your students to complete.
About reflecting on your student's behavior to find ways to improve.

Links and Resources

Self-Reg Stuart Shanker with Teresa Barker

Calm Alert and Learning - Stuart Shanker and Susan Hopkins (has a free audio only version under resources on the Self-reg website when you join the Co-Reg Community under resources

Beyond Behavior - Mona Delahooke

Self-reg.ca Join a course; delve in deeper to learning on the blog; download some great resources

Connect with Anne-

Connect with Dawn

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100.100th Episode: Our Top 8 Special Educator & IEP Meeting Strategies Mar 17, 2022

Show notes

Can you believe we have been at this for 100 episodes?!? It blows my mind that you continue to show up each week and let me be a small part of your special education experience. So first, let me say thank you! In honor of our 100th episode I am sharing the best of the best from previous episodes in this one place. Whether you are brand new to teaching or a seasoned veteran, you will find something useful inside!

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of creating a binder for each student with all their information in one place.
How to adapt your mindset to be successful in the classroom.
How to fully utilize your paraprofessionals.
About getting crystal clear on a data collection system.

Links and Resources

Want to hear the full episodes featured here? Here are the links to each one:

Data Collection Freebie

Connect with Dawn

Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Podcast for Parents

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99.Why Sensory Input is so Important to Understand as an Educator Mar 10, 2022

Show notes

Sensory Input is the response of a sensory organ to a stimulus. For example, when we hear a loud sound we may respond with a jerk. Understanding sensory input in our students is directly connected to understanding their behavior.

In this week's episode I am chatting with Laura Petix from the OT Butterfly about all things sensory so that you can gain a better understanding of how and why it affects your students so much. She is sharing tips and strategies on overcoming sensory challenges so that student behavior can improve.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of being a lifelong learner.
How to pay attention to the factors surrounding a behavior that might be sensory related.
How to find patterns in behavior that might be sensory related.
About what accommodations might help the environment be more comforting.

Links and Resources

Connect with (guest's name)

The OT Butterfly's Instagram

The OT Butterfly's Freebie

Connect with Dawn

Parent and Teacher Input Forms

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98.5 Easy Ways to Gain Input for IEP Meetings Mar 03, 2022

Show notes

One of the key parts of the IEP involves student, parent and teacher input. After all, they are the ones who see the child for extended periods of time and in various settings. What is the best, most efficient way to gather that needed information?

In this week's episode I am sharing 5 easy ways to get what you need from both parents and teachers. These strategies will not only make it easier, but they also make sure you get the information that you need.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of getting student input for the IEP.
How to adapt your survey to work for parents and teachers.
How to gently remind people that you need their input after asking for it already.
About some ready made resources that can make your life easier.

Links and Resources

Connect with (guest's name)

Connect with Dawn

Heather's Parent IEP Input Form

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97.How to Lead an IEP Meeting + Be Prepared for Anything Feb 24, 2022

Show notes

IEP Meetings are a reality. As special education teachers we cannot avoid them. They can also feel scary and overwhelming. But fear not friends, I have something for you that can help you feel confident and prepared for anything.

This week's guest is my friend Heather Cacioppo from Full Sped Ahead. She is a Master IEP Coach and is sharing her tips and strategies for a successful meeting.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of studying your IEPs as soon as a student is assigned to your caseload.
How to adapt your organization system to include the entire team.
How to feel prepared for those times you are on the defensive.
About courses and trainings that can help you feel more confident.

Links and Resources

Connect with Heather Cacioppo, Full Sped Ahead

Full Sped Ahead Website

Full Sped Ahead Instagram

Full Sped Ahead Facebook

Full Sped Ahead YouTube

Full Sped Ahead Pinterest

Full Sped Ahead Tik Tok

Connect with Dawn

Etsy Shop- NEW Special Educator Designs Special Education Forms- IEP Organization 7 Steps to Running a Smooth IEP Freebie Parent Survey | Teacher Questionnaire

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96.Take Your Sick Days: Set Up Your Sub Plans with These 4 Easy Steps Feb 17, 2022

Show notes

Let's face it, teachers are some of the worst at taking days off. I've heard so many times that it requires more to be out than to just work sick. But we need to change that mentality. We need to take our sick days when needed and we don't need to feel guilty about it. One of the ways that we can help take that guilt away is to be prepared for absences…even the unplanned ones…by having strong sub plans.

In this week's episode I am sharing some tips and strategies that I have learned through the years for when I have to be out. I have a sub tub in my room and it is always ready to go. That way I know that my students are taken care of and still learning even if I am not there.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of preparing for absences, even if you don't know when they are going to happen.
How to adapt a lesson so that a sub can teach it.
What organizational things a sub needs the most.
About books and learning games that need to be included in your sub tub.

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

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95.Ways to Reduce Those Pesky Behaviors & How to Document It All Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

Are you noticing an increase in pesky behaviors since coming back from winter break? It always feels like I have to start over with at least one of my students when we return to the classroom. It can feel so overwhelming to find what is working today, especially knowing that tomorrow the same strategy may fail. Where is the help that we need?

In this week's episode I am talking with Maria Helton from Teaching Behavior Together. She is a certified behavior specialist and she is sharing some of her best ideas for getting those behaviors under control in your classroom. You will leave this episode with strategies that you can implement immediately.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of staying consistent, but understanding that what worked yesterday may not work today.
How to adapt big picture strategies into bite size pieces that you can use right now.
How to advocate for yourself as the classroom teacher.
About the benefits of meeting with the entire team on a regular basis.

Links and Resources

Maria's Freebie

Connect with Maria Helton, Teaching Behavior Together

Teaching Behavior Together Website

Teaching Behavior Together Instagram

Teaching Behavior Together TpT Store

Teaching Behavior Together Podcast

Connect with Dawn

Valentine Activities Blog Post

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94.My Top 5 Favorite February Themed Ideas for the Classroom Feb 03, 2022

Show notes

Now that January has FINALLY ended, it is the season of love. There are so many fun things that you can do in your classroom during the month of February and so many different learning opportunities. Even if you choose to keep things simple, fun can be had.

In this week's episode I am sharing some of my favorite activities and resources for the month of February, especially Valentine's Day. From cooking heart pizzas to simple crafts, you will find something that you can easily incorporate into your classroom.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of using special days in February for learning activities.
How to adapt a cooking activity to a Valentine's theme.
How to celebrate 2/22/22.
About some easy, no-prep resources that you can use this month.

Links and Resources

Valentines Escape Room

Heart Emotions

Free February Monthly Slides

2-22 Freebie & Blog Post

Black History Month Activities Create By Bri from That Special Educator

Black History Adapted Writing Prompts Create By Bri from That Special Educator

Connect with Dawn

Waitlist for Literacy Course

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93.3 Creative Ways to Build Language Skills All Day Long Jan 27, 2022

Show notes

We all know that speech therapy is important for our students and we want it to be successful for them. But how can we help in the classroom? It feels overwhelming, but it really doesn't have to be. Even simple steps can lead a student in the right direction.

This week I am talking with Maureen Wilson with The Speech Bubble SLP about how the classroom teacher can help make strides. From using basic visuals to RC Devices, Maureen has some simple ideas that you can use right away.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of connecting speech IEP goals to things happening in the classroom.
How to adapt directions and steps into visuals to help your student succeed.
How to bridge the gap between speech services and everyday language in the classroom.
About how language development is like a filing cabinet.

Links and Resources

Swivel Scheduler

Kwik Stix

Dialogic Reading Blog

Connect with Maureen Wilson

The Speech Bubble SLP Blog

The Speech Bubble SLP Instagram

The Speech Bubble SLP Facebook

The Speech Bubble SLP TpT Store

Connect with Dawn