Tag: Preschool

Empowering Kids with Autism: The Power of Social Skills Stories

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Hey there, Parents, Teachers, and Caregivers!

Are you stuck trying to explain social situations to a child with autism, you’re definitely not alone. That’s where social skills stories come in—and they can be total game-changers!

Grab a free Classroom expectations poster at the end of this post!

A social skills story is a simple, short story that helps kids understand everyday situations, new experiences, or tough emotions. They’re usually written with pictures and clear, calm language—perfect for helping children know what to expect and how to respond.

Think of it like giving your child a friendly “heads-up” before something happens.

Kids with autism often like routines and predictability. Social skills stories give them a little “preview” of what’s coming. That makes things feel less scary and more manageable. Whether it’s going to the dentist, starting a new class, or learning how to ask for help, social stories can make things a whole lot smooth.

Here’s a super simple example:

Going to the Doctor

Sometimes, I go to the doctor.
The doctor helps me stay healthy.
The doctor might look in my ears or check my heart.
It’s okay to feel nervous.
I can take deep breaths.
After the visit, I can go home and play!

You can include pictures of the child, the place, or the activity to make it feel more personal.

  • Before new experiences (like the first day of school)
  • To teach social skills (like saying “hello”)
  • To help with changes in routine (like a substitute teacher)
  • To support emotional regulation (like what to do when feeling upset)
  • Use clear, positive language
  • Keep it short and to the point
  • Include pictures if you can
  • Read it together a few times before the event
  • Involve your child in making it, if they enjoy that!

Social Skills Stories are a gentle, helpful way to support kids with autism in navigating the world. They build confidence, reduce anxiety, and encourage independence—and that’s something every child deserves.

Find Social Skills Stories Resources on My TPT Store

Free Poster

Summer Themed Number Games for Preschoolers and Special Education

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Fun with Numbers! Easy & Engaging Number Games for Preschoolers and Kids in Special Education

Learning numbers can be a blast—especially when we turn it into a game! Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these playful number activities are perfect for preschoolers and children in special education settings. They’re designed to build number recognition, counting skills, and confidence… all while having FUN! These summer-themed number activities are designed for preschoolers and students in special education, with a focus on visual supports, matching, and hands-on fun.

The best part? Most of these can be laminated and reused as file folder games, worksheets, or task boxes—perfect for classrooms, therapy sessions, or at home!

Materials Needed:

  • Printable ice cream cones with numbers (1–10)
  • Printable scoops with dots, ten frames, or number words

How to Play: Students match the correct number of scoops to the cone by counting the dots or reading the number word. Velcro makes it interactive!

Skills Targeted: Number recognition, one-to-one correspondence, visual matching

Math Games 1 to 10 Counting Activities:Number Recognition, 1-1 Correspondence

Materials Needed:

  • Printable beach scene or bucket
  • Cut-out shells
  • Number prompts (e.g., “Add 4 shells to the bucket!”)

How to Play: Give kids a scene and a number. They count and glue the correct number of shells onto the picture. Bonus: You can reuse this with different animals (like turtles or starfish)!

Skills Targeted: Counting, following directions, fine motor skills

Fun Math Games: Low Prep, 10 Frame Learning Activities

Materials Needed:

  • Watermelon slices with numbers
  • Seeds with matching dots or number words

How to Play: Kids match seeds to the correct watermelon slice. You can also make it a “puzzle” where they have to match pieces that fit together.

Skills Targeted: Number ID, matching quantities to numerals, visual discrimination

Materials Needed:

  • Printable sand pails labeled with numbers
  • Small images (like shells, flip-flops, or sunglasses) in sets of 1–10

How to Play: Students “sort” the correct number of summer items into each bucket. Laminate and use Velcro dots for a reusable file folder activity.

Skills Targeted: Sorting, counting, number sense

Materials Needed:

  • Printable suns with ten frames
  • Clothespins or cards with numerals 1–10

How to Play: Students count how many “rays” or dots are on the sun and clip or match the correct number. Easy to turn into a file folder or dry-erase activity.

Skills Targeted: Counting, ten frame recognition, fine motor coordination

Fun Math Games: Low Prep, 10 Frame Learning Activities

Materials Needed:

  • Sandpaper numbers or laminated tracing sheets
  • Sand tray or printed “beach” background

How to Play: Students trace the number with their finger or a crayon. Add a sensory element by tracing numbers in a shallow tray filled with sand or salt!

Skills Targeted: Number formation, sensory input, pre-writing skills.

💡 BONUS TIP:

For extra durability, laminate your materials and store them in labeled file folders or task boxes. Add visuals and step-by-step instructions for independence!

Wrap-Up: Summer learning can be low-stress and high-fun! These file folder games and worksheets bring sunshine into math time—helping children strengthen number skills while keeping things seasonal and playful. Perfect for your summer school setup or at-home activities!

For more Summer Themed Resources click the links below

Summer Fine Motor skills: Fun activity printable sheets

Summer Maths Activities

Sequencing Adapted Book – Summer themed

Fun Summer Activity sheets FREE

Tabletop Activities – Apple counting, Task cards and color sorting.

Same-Different-Big-Small Sorting

Fun Math Games: Low Prep, 10 Frame Learning Activities

Fun Math Games: Low Prep, 10 Frame Learning Activities

REASONS TO USE THE FIRST & THEN STRATEGY

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The First-Then strategy is incredibly versatile. It can be adapted for a wide range of situations, from simple tasks (like “First, put on your shoes. Then, you can go outside”) to more complex, academic instructions.

It can be used across different environments (home, school, therapy settings), making it a universally applicable tool. Below I’ve listed more reasons to implement this strategy!

To Enhances Self-Regulation and Motivation:

Children better manage their behavior by knowing they must finish one activity (First) before starting another (Then). This builds intrinsic motivation and a sense of accomplishment.

To Facilitates Communication and Language Development:

The First-Then strategy supports communication skills. Using visuals or choice boards helps non-verbal children understand sequencing and choice-making, encouraging language use for communication.

To Reduces Anxiety and Overwhelm:

For many children with special needs, the world can be overwhelming. Not knowing what to expect next can lead to anxiety or avoidance. The First-Then strategy provides predictability, helping children to feel more in control and less anxious about transitions.

To Builds a Positive Reinforcement Cycle:

By using the First-Then strategy with rewards that are meaningful to the child, educators or caregivers can create a positive feedback loop. The child is more likely to follow instructions and engage in activities if they know there’s an enjoyable outcome after completing the task.

Positive reinforcement also helps build trust between the child and teacher or caregiver.

To Increases Independence:

As children become more familiar with the structure of the First-Then strategy, they may begin to independently initiate tasks. Over time, they learn that completing tasks leads to desired outcomes, which can encourage them to take ownership of their actions.

To Strengthens Social Skills:

In group settings, using First-Then can help children learn how to take turns, follow rules, and understand social expectations. For example, “First, you listen to the teacher. Then, you can play with your friends” helps kids practice social behaviors while learning the concept of waiting.

Visual Example:

First: Work on your math.

Then: You can play with your favorite toy.

This helps the child to know what is expected and what they will get in return after completing the task.

Find more TPT Resources linked below

Free Templates

Visual Behavior Support Folder – Token Rewards Tools, schedules, First & Then,

Visual Supports: Token Reward System/First & Then – Strategies for Special Ed

Classroom Behavior Management Strategies: First, Next and Then Tools

Token Reward folder: Visual support tools with “first & then” Behavior Strategy

First, Next and Then table Schedule Templates with Visual Supports

First Then boards and Help cards: Autism visual supports

Visual Supports:”First, next, then” with Token Rewards Systems

Exploring Calming Strategies

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Tips for Setting up a Calm Down Corner

Creating a calm and supportive classroom environment is crucial for students with special needs, especially those with Autism. Sensory overload, anxiety and frustration can often trigger emotional reactions that make it more difficult for them to focus, learn and engage. This is where calming strategies are needed.

In this post we’ll explore easy to implement strategies that can help calm students and create a more tranquil classroom environment. These strategies can be used by Teachers, Teachers aides and parents to support children in Special Education and Autism Classrooms.

Setting Up a Calm-Down Area: The Basics

When setting up a calm-down area, start by choosing a space that’s away from busy areas and distractions. The space should be quiet, cozy, and inviting, a retreat where children can relax without added stress. Try to make it an inviting space that encourages students to want to spend time there when needed.

Key Elements to Include:

Here are some simple yet effective elements that can make the calm-down area more functional and calming:

  • Sensory Tools: Sensory experiences can help children self-soothe and calm their nervous systems. Include items like weighted blankets, soft toys, squishy stress balls, or fidget spinners. A tactile or auditory experience can often help children feel grounded.
  • Soft Lighting: Bright overhead lights can be harsh, so consider adding a small lamp with soft, warm light or even a string of fairy lights. This creates a peaceful atmosphere and reduces visual overstimulation.
  • Comfort Items: Cushions, pillows, or a soft rug can make the area feel cozy. Some children may find comfort in having a favorite object like a stuffed animal or a familiar blanket.
  • Visual Cues: Add calming visuals, posters, calming charts (e.g., breathing exercises or social stories), or a timer to help children track their time spent in the area. For some students, these cues help to create structure and ease transitions.

The calm-down area is most effective when it’s introduced as a tool for emotional regulation rather than a time-out or punishment zone. It’s essential that children understand that it’s a space to use when they feel overwhelmed or need a break, not when they’re being “bad.”

When introducing the space, explain its purpose to the students. You might say something like, “This area is for when you need a break to calm your body. You can come here when you’re feeling upset or need to reset.”

Consider using visual or verbal reminders throughout the day to reinforce its use, such as a “calm down” card that students can hold up when they need a break. Having a routine for when and how to use the area helps students understand it’s a proactive tool for self-care.

Remember, the calm-down area should be flexible and adapt to the needs of each student. As children grow and develop, their emotional needs may change, and it’s important to be open to modifying the space as necessary. Whether it’s adding new sensory tools or adjusting the space to make it more comfortable, keeping the area evolving can keep it an effective resource for emotional well-being.

Creating a calm-down area in your classroom or home can have a powerful impact on emotional regulation and overall well-being for children with special needs. By providing a dedicated, safe space for children to retreat when needed, you’re helping them develop the skills to manage their emotions and build resilience. With a little creativity, flexibility, and collaboration, you can create a space that supports both learning and emotional health.

Handy Calm Down Resources linked for you to check out:-

Free Calm Down Poster

Free Social Skills Poster | Class rules | Classroom Behavior Management

Calm Down Tools & Token Reward Boards for Classroom Behavior Management

Calm Down Corner Tab book & Posters

Calm Down check in / Social-Emotional learning, Posters and coping tools

Social Emotional Posters for being friends, classroom expectations

Visual Behavior Support cards – Break, Help & Wait Strategies for Autism

Creating a Functional Communication lesson for kids with Autism

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Creating a functional communication lesson for non-verbal kids with autism, limited play skills, and fine motor challenges requires a careful approach to make sure the lesson is engaging, motivating, and supportive of their unique needs. Here’s a little list to help you develop a lesson:

a. Objective:

The goal is to enhance functional communication skills in a way that connects with the child’s daily experiences, interests, and abilities. Focus on initiating communication, requesting items or activities, and expressing basic needs.

b. Lesson Structure:

A structured, predictable routine is key for kids with autism. Keep the lesson simple and short (10-15 minutes). Use visuals, and embed movement and sensory activities to keep them engaged.

Tips for a lesson:

1. A welcome routine to start

  • Objective: Establish a calm, welcoming routine.
  • Activity: Start with a visual schedule (e.g., a picture of “circle time” or “activity time”) to show what will happen.
  • Use a familiar greeting song that the child recognizes (e.g., “Hello Song” or any favorite tune) to engage them right from the start.
  • Sensory input: If needed, provide sensory support (fidget toys or weighted items) to help them focus.

2. Offer Choice with Visual Supports

  • Objective: Encourage the child to make a choice (requesting/indicating preference).
  • Activity: Present two choices using pictures or objects. For example:
    • Show a picture of a toy and a book and encourage the child to choose by pointing, using a switch, or hand-over-hand if needed. Your student can press a button to make a choice if using communication devices. Once they make a choice, model functional language. If verbal, say, “I want the toy” or “I want the book.” If using a communication device, support them in using the symbol for “toy” or “book.”
    You can also introduce a choice board with more items (preferably the child’s favorite toys or snacks), and make it easy for them to reach the option they want.

3. Use Play with Sensory Feedback

  • Objective: Practice requesting during play while incorporating sensory feedback.
  • Activity: Select a simple activity that encourages engagement, such as:
    • A sensory bin with textured items (rice, beans, or sand). Encourage the child to make choices by pointing, using a communication device, or simple gestures (like reaching for the object).
    • Use toys that light up or make sounds when touched (engaging for children with limited play skills).
    • Bubble play: If the child enjoys sensory experiences, bubbles can be motivating. Encourage requesting or communicating interest by helping the child point to the bubble bottle or making a gesture to indicate they want to play.
  • During play, encourage them to request more, using words, signs, gestures, or a communication board.

4. Routine and Repetition with Transition

  • Objective: Create a sense of closure and predictability.
  • Activity: Introduce a transition activity such as a song, a closing visual, or a familiar phrase like “All done” to help the child understand the lesson is ending. You can use a visual transition schedule to show them what comes next.
  • Provide a small reward or motivation based on the child’s choice (such as a favorite toy, snack, or sensory toy) to reinforce the communication they just practiced.

Prepare Materials

  1. Visual Schedule (showing the lesson steps with pictures).
  2. Motivational Items (preferably things the child loves, such as their favorite toys or snacks).
  3. Objects and Sensory Items (bubbles, textured items, toys that light up or make sounds).
  4. Communication Tools (such as communication boards, switches, or AAC devices).
  5. Choice Board or Communication Cards (pictures of toys, snacks, or activities they can request).

Tips to Engagement

  1. Use High-Interest Items: Incorporate toys, activities, or songs that are favorites of the child to ensure they stay motivated.
  2. Use Clear, Simple Language: Always model short, clear phrases like “I want,” “more,” “help,” “finished” in both verbal and non-verbal forms (sign language, gestures, etc.).
  3. Ensure Success: If a child is struggling with motor skills, assist them (hand-over-hand) but always encourage independent attempts. Keep the pace slow and provide plenty of praise for any communication attempt.
  4. Incorporate Movement: Since some children may have trouble sitting still, include movement activities like “jumping” or “clapping” as part of the lesson to maintain engagement.

Sample Lesson

Objective: The child will request a preferred toy using a choice board or gesture.

  1. Greeting Song: “Hello, [child’s name], it’s time to play! use a little song.
  2. Choice Activity: Place two favorite toys on the table (e.g., a soft ball and a musical toy). Show the child both options and say, “Which one do you want?”
  3. Interactive Play: Once they indicate their choice, help them engage with the toy. If they point or attempt a sound, praise them, “Great job asking for the toy!”
  4. Ending Routine: When the play ends, say, “All done, we are finished now,” and play a calming closing song.

Remember: Consistency and patience are key. Small, repeated successes build communication skills, and it’s important to keep the environment structured and fun.

Visit my TPT Store for More Ideas

Visual Behavior Support Folder – Token Rewards Tools, schedules, First & Then,

Visual Supports: Token Reward System/First & Then – Strategies for Special Ed

Classroom Behavior Management Strategies: First, Next and Then Tools

Token Reward folder: Visual support tools with “first & then” Behavior Strategy

First, Next and Then table Schedule Templates with Visual Supports

First Then boards and Help cards: Autism visual supports

Visual Supports:”First, next, then” with Token Rewards Systems