My Daily Planner Binder – Back to School for Kids with Autism

On the first day back to school I always introduce my Interactive Planner Binder to keep my young learners focused and motivated! Its full of visual strategies to help them plan their day, choose they’re reinforcer and stay in the area where they need to work.

I laminated the ones i made but you could easily place them in a pocket folder and use a dry wipe marker.

I’ve incorporated pages for my new students to jot down their name, grade and class, followed by their teachers name, their friends name, things they like and things they don’t.

There are pages with the days of the week for them to practice and tick off what day it is and same for seasons.

Having a schedule is so important so I’ve added spaces where i can write the order of the day and they can tick off as they go though it, handy to keep them on track!

Working for cards and reward choice keep them motivated!

Reminders of what to do when they feel angry, “first and then” when they get frustrated and what “I need” visuals for them to choose from.

Self-Regulation strategies for Managing Behavior

Being able to regulate behavior is an essential critical skill to learn, so I’ve designed booklets for my students with Autism, Special Ed and the Preschool students in my school. This visual tool is intended to help them identify how they feel and what they would need to be ready for work! They turned out to be a great asset in my classroom calm down area.

Each of my kiddos are constantly using the visuals to remind themselves on how to get in the “ready” for work area. They can choose the supports they need and attach them on the page if they find themselves wandering out!
There are some books with three area tabs and some with four areas identified and each have visual supports for students to check how they feel, what area they are in and what they would need to do to get back area ready to work.

I’ve also added a “Tool Book” to this collection, which my kiddos equally love using!

Using Powerful Reinforcers!

How I use Fidget Toys as reinforcers in my Classroom

Sensory

Help your students focus and keep calm while keeping little hands busy. When collecting fidget toys make sure they’re robust enough to withstand the strains they’ll be under. I buy toys that are strong enough for my students to bite, squeeze or stretch safely but still benefit their sensory needs.

Learning to Wait

When student are learning to wait and have been given a “wait” card, having something to occupy fidgety hands will sometimes help. Using a “wait” box that is filled with fidget toys, can be offered during this time to allowing students to occupy themselves, and to gradually increase the “wait” time.

As a motivator

Teachers need to be clear on how to deliver a motivator for effective learning. When, where and how many reinforcers will determine how long the learning lasts and how rapidly they learn.

When I’m teaching something new the more frequently I reinforce. When presenting a new task or skill I arrange things so that every successful effort results in a powerful reinforcer.

I find the “Reward Board” works best! and I deliver it in a variety of ways, which I tailor with students individual interests.

Token boards – A token is used like an IOU and once collected can be exchanged for the actual reinforcer. Students can start off collecting 1 token before gaining their reinforcer and build up to 10 tokens once the concept is mastered and they’re ready to learn longer.

Reinforcer icons are placed along the bottom of the card, students choose one before the task begins and tokens are distributed throughout the task!

First and Then strategies and Reward Board choices are also a great tool. I sometimes use it along side this reward system!

Reduce Frustration with Calm Down Strategies

Visual supports can help reduce frustration by giving non verbal students a way to Communicate. Having a variety of activities that are available in class and being able to ask for what is wanted can help reduce behavior throughout the day.

This is why I always keep a selection of visual choices handy in my calm down area, ready for when problems arise! Struggling students are able to find the visual displayed on a board that will help them reduce these emotions to carry on learning.

I display only the visuals that are available to the students on given days and a wider choice throughout the week.

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Ultimate Calm Down Tools

Id like to share some of the behaviour strategies I use with my young learners with Autism/Special needs. They provide support and structure in my behaviour support plans and run in conjunction with ABA management’. My students use these on a daily basis!

Behavior Reflection – For students to recognise their feelings and how it effects their behavior

Calm Down schedule – For students to remember the tools they can use to calm themselves.

Social Stories – To read and learn social skills do and don’ts!

Classroom Rules To follow and remember what behavior is expected

CLICK HERE for MORE information on how to set up Calm Down Tools for your classroom