Be The Exception In Special Education

Cultivating Exceptional Minds Blog

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

91.How to Use Discrete Trials for Data Collection Jan 13, 2022

Show notes

Discrete trials are basically the use of repetition and reinforcement. The idea sounds fancy, especially when you start pairing it with data collection, but in reality it is a very simple process.

In this week's episode I am chatting with one of my favorites, Sasha Long from the Autism Helper, about using discrete trials for data collection. She breaks down the process for us and gives tons of useful ideas and tips to get you started.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of keeping it simple.
How to adapt your current data collection to make life easier.
How to really hone in on certain learning behaviors for consistent data.
About different types of data trackers.

Links and Resources

Any resources mentioned or can be linked

Connect with Sasha Long

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

90.The Importance of Reviewing Routines After a Break Jan 06, 2022

Show notes

Winter break was wonderful, wasn't it? Are you back already or about to go back? The routine of getting the new semester started is always a welcome time for me. I like my schedule and the growth that always seems to happen between now and the end of school. Speaking of the routines and schedules, it never fails that my students seem to forget everything they know in the two weeks we were off for break.

In this episode, I am chatting routines and discussing how to review those procedures that make your classroom a much happier place.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of having routines in place and enforcing them.
How to adapt the routines that weren't working before break.
How to make time for review.
About which routines need to be reviewed.

Links and Resources

Drink Your Water Sticker

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

89.The Be the Exception Recap: A Look Back on 2021 Dec 23, 2021

Show notes

Whew! Can you believe that the new year is basically here? There were several times during 2021 that I wasn't sure we would make it to January 1st, but here we are, all survivors! Actually, more than survivors, rock stars! I am so proud of all of us for overcoming the bouncing between virtual and in-person, quarantines and no quarantines and just establishing some normalcy for our students.

In this week's episode I want to reflect on 2021 and share some of my favorite episodes from the year of the podcast. There was so much good that happened and I think it is important to spend a few minutes reflecting on that before we move forward into the new year.

In this episode you will learn:

About the best episodes of 2021
How to use board games in your classroom for learning.
How to use a digital planner (created just for special education teachers).
About how much I appreciate each one of you!

Links and Resources

Cultivating Exceptional Minds Podcast

Connect with Dawn

Digital Planner for Special Education Teachers Digital Planner Freebie

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

88. How to Prepare for the New Year as a Special Educator Dec 16, 2021

Show notes

Whew! 2021 has been hard y'all! I am literally counting down the hours until winter break. I love my kids, but I am tired! I have been thinking a great deal lately about how to prepare for 2022 and to make sure that I don't experience the same kind of burn out.

In this week's episode I am sharing some ways that you can set boundaries for yourself at school. We all want to do our best, but to do that we need to be our best.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of leaving work at work.
How to not feel guilty about taking your personal and sick days.
How to say no.
About using your commute to recharge.

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

Fostering Independence in Kids

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

87.The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for the Entire Special Education Team Dec 09, 2021

Show notes

Tis' the season…of giving! Does your gift list seem a little endless? You want to give everyone something special but sometimes you just run out of ideas. Especially for your paraprofessionals or the therapists (OT, PT, Speech, etc) who are in and out of your room making your life so much easier.

In this episode I am sharing some ideas that are budget friendly for all of these amazing colleagues. Each gift is thought out and sure to be loved.

In this episode you will learn:

The perfect gift ideas for those colleagues who share your classroom.
How to stretch your budget and still give meaningful gifts.
How to make each gift unique and personal.

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

86.A Parent's Journey Through the Special Ed Process Dec 02, 2021

Show notes

Working with parents in the special education process can go several different ways. The parent can be supportive of the teacher, they can be indifferent to the journey or they can be a thorn in the teacher's side. So how do we help build the rapport necessary to make the parent a true supporter of the process?

In this week's episode I am chatting with Elaine Krift. She is a parent of a child with autism and is BCBA certified. I had the pleasure of having Elaine's son in my class a few years ago and having her support made a world of difference. She is sharing with us what this journey looks like as a parent. She also adds a few pointers on working with related staff through the IEP.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of making the parents a part of your team.
How to offer help for the parents, not just the student.
How to give the parents necessary praise.
About helping parents advocate for their children in the right way.

Links and Resources

How to Foster Student Independence

Autism Speaks

Let Me Hear Your Voice

Connect with Dawn

Christmas Digital Slide Freebie

Christmas & Holiday Bundle

Christmas Tree Adapted Escape Room

Teacher Stickers & T-Shirts

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

Black Friday Specials Nov 25, 2021

Show notes

This week's podcast is a little different! I have some super special Black Friday sales going on and I wanted you to make sure that you knew exactly what you are getting!

So listen in and find out what is included in each special this week.

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

84.Become More Confident Using AAC Devices in Special Education Nov 18, 2021

Show notes

Alternative Communication can feel so overwhelming. There are so many different options and it seems impossible to understand them all or have a good grasp on how to best use them with your students.

In this week's episode I am chatting with Lucy from The Alternate Way to Pre-K. She is sharing her expertise in AAC Devices and giving 3 different steps on getting started.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of collaborating with your speech therapist
How to adapt based on how your student is progressing.
How to take matters into your own hands.
About different types of AAC devices.

Links and Resources

Lucy's Freebie

Dynavox

Project-Core

Connect with Lucy

Lucy's Alternative Way to Pre-K Instagram

Lucy's Blog

Lucy's Alternative Way to Pre-K Facebook

Early Childhood Sped Club

Connect with Dawn

Autumn Leaves Escape Room

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

83.How to Have a Student Led Thanksgiving Feast Nov 11, 2021

Show notes

November is one of my favorite times of year for so many reasons as we head into a season of being thankful. There are so many different things happening in my classroom right now, but my very favorite is the Thanksgiving feast. And what makes it even more special than just the yummy food is that my students plan and prepare the entire event.

It may sound overwhelming to have your students plan such a large meal, much less prepare everything, but I promise that your students' can do this. And in this week's episode I am sharing with you how to get it done and all the benefits and fun for your students.

In this episode you will learn:

The benefits of having your students prepare for a large event by working on chunks at a time.
How to adapt the prep work if you are still limited on CBI field trips.
How to include money lessons in your Thanksgiving feast.
About the fun that you and your students will have with this event.

Links and Resources

Pumpkin Emotions Worksheet

Fall Resources Bundle

Connect with Dawn