Mind the Gap - Student Work

The Mind the Gap intervention has been going well.  The students understand how to map it out.  As I had mentioned previously we began with very basic choices: Do I want to eat Carrots or Ice Cream for snack.  Mapping it out: Stop-It is snack time.  Think-If I eat carrots-They are healthy, they digest well, they are crunchy; if I eat ice cream-It is unhealthy, I could get a cavity, It is tasty.  Act-I will eat carrots.  As we expanded we introduced the concept during our social skills group when they were not in a state of acting out or crisis.  Here is a video of a student explaining what to do when he is frustrated:

We then began to implement it during/after moments of crisis.  Here is a student's work before they decided to break a rule.  

We use this almost every day and not always for negative behavior.  We use it quite a bit to teach that everything we do in life is a choice, we have even tied it in to character studies (for our higher level reading students) to map out a characters thinking.

When we use this with a student before, during or after a crisis, we send a copy home to the parents.  Our parents have all been briefed in this intervention and have copies at home to use as well.  

If you are interested in this intervention technique and would like clarification please contact me through the blog.  If you are interested in using this within your classroom, please check out the product available on my TpT store.

Cyber Monday

It is that time...Cyber Monday deals on TpT!  Head over for 20% off all products!

Christmas Freebie

Spreading some Holiday cheer everyone's way with this new freebie!  Teach and review Christmas nouns and verbs with this packet. Head on over to my TPT store for this freebie!  This is a great addition to your independent/TEACCH center!

Math Fluency Packet

Here is a new product for math fact fluency.  The packet includes addition and subtraction fact fluency assessments, file folders, data collection sheet, worksheets, and "I can" badges.  I have created the file folders for students to practice +0, +1, +2, +3, etc through +10 and doubles; this is the same for subtraction.  When students complete a fact fluency assessment with 80%+ they receive and "I can" badge which allows them to be proud and show what they know for the fact family which they have mastered!  Head over to my TpT store or Teacher's Notebook to get your copy now!

New Product, New Shop

A new product has been uploaded on my TpT store.

About the Product:
Practice following the rules of words ending in -s, -ed, and -ing. 
Word Work Activity
Practice making words
For Regular Ed and Special ED
TEACCH Tasks included

In other news...I finally have a Teachers Notebook Shop!  Swing on over and check it out!  A special sale will be running this Monday through Friday in celebration!

Peer Buddy System

This week we implemented a peer buddy system in our second grade inclusion classroom.   We randomly (and I use that term loosely) selected students to become buddies.  We explained that we were assigning buddies for a few reasons: 1) we have students that are new to our school, and 2) we enter as strangers and leave as friends.  We truly implemented if for several of our own reasons: 1) Support and develop social skills for students with special needs, 2) Decrease bullying (Did you know bullying is at its highest in second grade?), and 3) Increase positive social-emotional health.

For the first lesson we explained our reasons for implementing the buddy system.  We then talked about how to be a good friend to someone (sharing, using a friendly voice, sharing, etc).  We then paired everyone up and gave them a questionnaire to complete with their partner.  We explained that every 2 weeks we would switch buddies, and every 2 weeks we would interview our buddies.  We then compiled a list of "How to be a buddy."

I am eager to see how the buddy system progresses throughout the school year and I anticipate positive changes in peer relationships and respect within the class.

The peer buddy interview sheet can be found on my TpT site.

Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month... How are you planning on educating your staff/coworkers?

My administrator has graciously allowed me 5-10 minutes at our next staff meeting to give a brief overview of ASD.  I have put together the following powerpoint presentation for the staff.  Included in the presentation is a handout to pass out to your fellow colleagues with simple intervention ideas that can be easily implemented in the general education classroom.  There are two hyperlinks to YouTube videos (disclaimer, one contains a profanity in the title as well as a brief clip in the video).  You will also notice the slide about technology and ASD; that slide is made special for my administrator... if you do not understand why, see my previous blog post Let's Talk iPads.

I hope everyone enjoys this free presentation and that it is of use for you and your staff.

Let me know if you use it and the feedback you receive!

Download from my TpT Store

TpT

Finally!  With the support and encouragement of my fellow co-worker and amazing blogger/artist...I have finally begun to create and upload materials onto teacherspayteachers.

My first one is a freebie: File Folder Task
This file folder includes 2 letter words to build and/or match with adorable graphics from my co-worker.  Check out her blog: http://www.joyofkindergarten.com/

My second upload is a complete activity packet for the classic book: I Know and Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.  I love the twist on the classic book.  My students always enjoy "feeding" the old lady while reading this book.  The packet includes varied levels of activities; wonderful for a classroom with varying levels of learners.  Wonderful graphics from http://www.scrappindoodles.com/

I hope you enjoy!