In this podcast episode I am sharing my top 10 best tips for helping you and your students prepare for returning to the classroom after school closures. It's safe to say that the last few months have been a little bit crazy for all of us. Schools closures and distance learning have meant that we have all had to get used to a whole new style of teaching. And now we're all making plans for the new school year - however that may look. Whether you're going back to the classroom in August, September ...
Aug 18, 2020•9 min
This school year is probably going to look different for all of us. But one thing I'm seeing is how anxious a lot of us are about schools re-opening. So today on the podcast I'm sharing questions to ask for schools re-opening. I sat down - over a Zoom session - to speak to a bunch of special educator friends, and this is a comprehensive list of questions we've come up with for you to ask your school. There may be questions on this list you don't want to ask. Or there may be questions that you ha...
Aug 11, 2020•11 min
One of the biggest struggles I'm hearing from autism and special education teachers right now is keeping students engaged for distance learning. And I admit, I struggled at first too. How was I going to keep them engaged and learning over a computer screen? Thankfully, after some problem solving and taking a short break, I was able to set up a plan that worked really well for me and my students. And you can listen to my experience with distance learning for special education on the podcast here ...
Aug 04, 2020•13 min
With distance learning set to continue in some shape or form, a lot of teachers I know are worried about building relationships with new students. And I know how you feel. We usually visit students in other schools if they're moving, have taster days where they come to visit us. We have meet the teacher night.. And so many opportunities for us to get to know our new students. But this year, all of those things are probably not going to happen. So we have to think of other ways to meet and get to...
Jul 28, 2020•12 min
One of the most important parts of distance learning is communicating with families of our students. For me, personally, I have found that distance learning was such a success because we had that strong, ongoing communication between us. And in this podcast episode I'm going to be sharing my best tips for communicating with families during distance learning. What Am I Talking About? In this episode today I am talking about; Why you should communicate with families. Benefits of having good commun...
Jul 21, 2020•14 min
Today on the podcast I am sharing my special education distance learning experience with you. If you follow me on Instagram you’ll have seen recently that I’ve been getting a bunch of questions, and while I’ve been doing my best to answer them all, I’ve also noticed that a lot of the questions are pretty similar. So, I’ve been doing some Q&As on my Instagram stories to answer them. If you don’t follow me on Instagram yet, head on over and find me, teaching autism. I share different activitie...
Jul 14, 2020•23 min
In today's podcast episode I am sharing my top 5 visuals for the classroom. Whether you work in a special ed classroom, an autism classroom, or even a general ed classroom. Visuals are beneficial to everyone. The 5 visuals that I am discussing today are the ones that I have found to be the most beneficial with my students. Please keep in mind that all of our students are different - and what works for my students, may be different for your students. Today I am Talking About My top 5 visuals for ...
Jul 07, 2020•9 min
Today on the podcast, I'm talking all about why teaching fine motor skills is so important. I recently touched on this lightly over on my Instagram but I had a lot of requests to go more in depth. Which is why I'm bringing you this episode today. What Am I Talking About? In this episode, I am talking about; What fine motor skills are. The difference between fine motor and gross motor skills. Why do we need fine motor skills? When should we teach them? What do fine motor skills look like? How do ...
Jun 30, 2020•11 min
Today on the podcast I'm talking all about how to use a word wall in the classroom. I see so many teachers and classrooms set up word walls, but then get lost in how to use one - and how often they should be using them. On the Podcast Today In today's podcast episode, I am talking all about; What is a word wall? How to use one. Benefits of having one. How to set one up. If you should have one. Do you have a word wall in your classroom? If so, what tips or advice do you have to share with others?...
Jun 23, 2020•15 min
I'm often asked for ideas and advice for managing behaviors during recess. A lot of us assume that all of our students love being outside for playtime or recess. But, often, it's the time where we can see most of the challenging behaviors from our students. In today's podcast episode, I'm sharing my best tips and advice with you for how you can help manage and reduce behaviors during recess. Today in this podcast episode, I am talking all about; How to effectively use your staff. Staff zoning pl...
Jun 16, 2020•11 min
In today's podcast episode I'm sharing my special education class schedule. This is something that's requested from me a lot. And the main reason I don't give it to you all exactly like I do it, is because everyone is different. All of our students, classes and school days are different. Which means there's not one perfect schedule for us to use with our students. In this episode, I'm sharing a look at what a 'Monday' looks like for us as our schedule. The rest of our days are pretty similar, an...
Jun 09, 2020•11 min
One of the most common questions that I get asked are for teacher resource prep tips. How to make resource prep quicker? Or easier? Over the years, I've pretty much tried everything you can imagine. And so today I'm sharing my top 10 best tips for how you can make resource prep a less daunting task in your classroom - including how to use your members of staff too. What Am I Talking About? My top 10 tips. Why using different scissors is important. The cut/laminate/cut vs laminate/cut argument. D...
Jun 02, 2020•8 min
There have been many occasions over the years when I'm visiting teachers, education professionals and classrooms that I have been asked 'What are life skills?' People often assume that these skills are just tasks like brushing your teeth or hair, or being able to feed yourself. But, there's actually a lot more to these skills that you may not know. And today in this podcast episode, I'm going to be talking all about them. What Am I Talking About What are life skills? Types. 6 key areas. Discussi...
May 26, 2020•10 min
I am so excited for today's social and emotional learning podcast episode with Robin Fox from Social Eyes. Robin has 37 years of experience teaching and today is talking all about social eyes, and social and emotional learning. What Are We Talking About? Social Eyes Introduction What is social and emotional learning? Social and emotional learning in the classroom. What is mindfulness? How can we use mindfulness in the classroom? Improv - what is it? How can we use it in the classroom? What are t...
May 19, 2020•47 min
I don’t know about you, but there are so many therapies for autism and special education teachers to use now that it can get overwhelming very quickly. Which ones should we use? When should we do them? How can we fit them into our schedules? This was us a few years ago. Trying to do all the therapies that our students loved and benefited from. But then, we took a step back and really observed and paid attention to our students. And that is when we started Therapy Thursday. What is ‘Therapy Thurs...
May 12, 2020•13 min
I am beyond excited to have Barbara Fernandez from SmartyEars and SmartySymbols on the podcast today. We are talking about using symbols to communicate and build language, as well as AAC. Barbara is a speech pathologist, and she is a wealth of knowledge for using visuals, symbols, apps and different ways to communicate. This podcast episode is a little longer than normal, but it’s going to blow your mind! What Are We Talking About? What are ‘symbols’? Benefits of using symbols. Who can use symbo...
May 05, 2020•55 min
I know most of you will read the title of this podcast ‘Stop School Attendance Rewards’ and panic. Maybe you’re using them and you like them. And if so, you may not know how negative these rewards can be. So today, I’m going to be telling you why I think you should STOP school attendance rewards for the benefit of your students. What Am I Talking About? In this podcast episode I’m going to be talking about; Why schools introduce attendance rewards. Reasons you should stop attendance rewards. Cir...
Apr 28, 2020•9 min
Do you know why sensory play is important for all students and children to access? Don’t worry if not. Me and Becky Lyddon, the founder of Sensory Spectacle, are going to talk to you all about it in this podcast episode. What Are We Talking About? In this podcast episode, we are talking all about; What is sensory play? Who is it for? What are the benefits of it? Examples of sensory play. Why is it so important? Becky’s top sensory play activities. Self-regulation. Explorer bowls. I am so excited...
Apr 21, 2020•31 min
'What is a sensory lifestyle?' is a question I see get asked a lot. The world of sensory can be very confusing - and sometimes scary! Especially when all sorts of jargon is being thrown around. And that's why I'm so excited to share this podcast episode with you today, all about sensory lifestyles. I am interviewing Becky Lyddon, the founder of Sensory Spectacle to talk about sensory lifestyles and help you understand and help provide one for our students and children. What Are We Talking About?...
Apr 14, 2020•35 min
Do you want to set up a sensory room or area for your autism and special education students? Are you looking for ideas for sensory rooms or areas that you can turn into a sensory experience? If so, this is the perfect podcast episode for you! Today, me and Becky are sharing our best ideas for how you can make a sensory area, or room in your school, classroom, and even at home. Becky Lyddon is the founder of Sensory Spectacle and she agreed to put together a 6 episode sensory series on my podcast...
Apr 07, 2020•37 min
Today, me and Becky are sharing our best sensory tips and activities for you to try in the classroom, as well as at home. Becky Lyddon is the founder of Sensory Spectacle and she agreed to put together a 6 episode sensory series on my podcast. So make sure you tune in and listen to each of the episodes to learn all things sensory. What Are We Talking About? In this podcast episode, we are talking all about; What different types of sensory activities are there? How can we make these activities ed...
Mar 31, 2020•42 min
I’m often asked what are sensory profiles? And how do we create them? Or who can have one? And that’s why I wanted to do a whole podcast on this with my guest, Becky Lyddon, the founder of Sensory Spectacle . What Are We Talking About? In this podcast episode, we are talking all about; What are sensory profiles? Why is it important to have one? Who can have one? How is it decided for someone to have one? Who creates it? What are the benefits of having one? How is a sensory profile assessment car...
Mar 24, 2020•26 min
I’m so excited to bring you this podcast episode all about sensory and behavior with our guest, Becky Lyddon. I’m always asked questions like; What’s the difference between sensory and behavior? Are sensory and behaviors connected? What can cause sensory behaviors? Is it a sensory seeking behavior? and so many more.. And that’s why I was so excited to be able to work with Becky to bring you a whole series of sensory podcast episodes. We actually have 6 podcast episodes planned for you over the n...
Mar 17, 2020•48 min
One of the most common questions that I get asked about is how to diagnose autism. And this is why I am extra excited to invite the fabulous Andi Putt from Mrs Speechie P onto the podcast today. Andi is a speech pathologist who specializes in autism assessments. And this episode is going to blow your mind. What Are We Talking About? What is autism? Early signs of autism and when you may start to notice these. What age can you get an autism diagnosis? Who can diagnose autism? And what is the proc...
Mar 10, 2020•58 min
I think it’s safe to say that most of us, at one point in our teacher lives, dread writing IEP goals – or knowing how to modify them. That’s why I invited Brandie Rosen from Brandie Rosen Consulting back on the podcast to help us out! You may remember Brandie from episode 11 of my podcast where she shared her best tips for teachers and parents with IEPs. Click here to go and listen if you haven’t already! What Are We Talking About? Today on the podcast me and Brandie are going to be talking all ...
Mar 03, 2020•48 min
Are you sat wondering ‘What is feeding therapy?’ Maybe you’ve heard of it.. but you don’t know what it actually is. Or what the benefits are. And.. what does a feeding therapist do?! Who are they? Today, I’m so excited to welcome McKenzie Hoffman onto our ‘Teaching Autism and Special Education Community’ podcast. She is answering all of the questions that we have. And I promise you, this is an episode you do not want to miss! McKenzie Hoffman MA, CCC-SLP, is a feeding therapist with a passion fo...
Feb 18, 2020•36 min
If you’re an education professional or therapist who works with students with special needs, you’ll know about prompting. But, you may also be feeling overwhelmed with it. Or unsure if you’re doing it correctly. But, worry no more! On the podcast today I’m talking all about effective prompting in special education. And I’m also discussing the prompting hierarchy. What’s Included? In this episode, we’re talking about; What is prompting? The prompting hierarchy. What the different levels of prompt...
Feb 11, 2020•10 min
Are you looking information and tips about cooking for special education? Maybe you want to start cooking with your students – but you don’t know how to. Or.. maybe you just don’t know why you should be cooking. Don’t worry. In this podcast episode, I’m talking all about the different types of cookery lessons you can have in your autism or special education classroom. What Am I Talking About? Types of cooking. The benefits of cooking. Why you should be cooking in the classroom. Ways to run cooke...
Feb 05, 2020•8 min
Are you stuck what to wear to work? Maybe you’re having a few outfit fails? Worry no more. Today on the podcast, I’m sharing my best special education teacher outfit tips. What am I talking about? What clothes to wear in the classroom. How to be practical. Why you should invest in a scarf. Sentimental items. Bracelets, necklaces, earrings and all things jewelry. Staff lanyards. Unfortunate underwear incidents. Over my years of experience, I’ve seen it all. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I firs...
Feb 04, 2020•13 min
If you work in special education, you’ll know all about data collection. How overwhelming and stressful it can be. You might not know what data to take, when to take it – or how much to take. Or, who should be taking it? Don’t worry, take a deep breath, sit back, and listen to this podcast. I’m sharing all of my special education data collection tips to help make it less stressful for you. In this podcast episode, I’m sharing my top 10 tips with you. I’ll be talking about; Why we take data. Dele...
Jan 28, 2020•10 min
