Tag: Special Education Classroom

How to Teach Waiting to Nonverbal Students.

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Visual Supports for Waiting in Early Childhood Special Education

Waiting is one of the hardest skills for young learners to master, especially for nonverbal children in Special Education. When a child cannot understand the spoken word the idea of “wait” can feel confusing, frustrating or even impossible.

This is where the visual supports help turn spoken words into something students can see. For many learners, visuals are easier to process than language alone. They make expectations clearer, reduce anxiety, and help students feel more confident about what comes next.

What Is Wait Time?

One simple way to use visuals that makes a big difference is during wait time.

Wait time is the pause after you ask a question or give a direction. For some students, especially those with autism, processing language takes a little longer. When adults rush in with prompts or repeat directions too quickly, students may lose the chance to respond independently.

How Visual Cue Cards Help

Visual wait time cards give students a clear signal that it’s okay to pause and think. Instead of filling the silence with more words, the visual does the talking.

These cards help students understand:

  • What they should be doing
  • That a response is expected
  • That help will come, just not yet

Waiting becomes predictable instead of stressful.

Easy Visual Wait Time Tools Teachers Love

“Wait” cards use a simple word or symbol to remind students to pause.

Visual timers or countdown cards show how long the wait will last.

Thinking time cards let students know it’s okay to take a moment before answering.

Turn-taking visuals clearly show whose turn it is during games or group work.

Classroom Tips for Success

  • Teach the visual during calm moments
  • Pair it with a brief verbal cue, then stay quiet
  • Avoid repeating directions while the visual is shown
  • Praise the act of waiting, not just the final response

For more resources for behavior management click here!

This interactive social story turns school expectations into an easy, friendly walk-through.

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Starting school can feel like stepping onto a brand-new planet, especially for students who love structure, visual support, and predictable moments. This Going to School Social Skills Story | Interactive Adapted Book for SPED helps turn that giant leap into a smooth little hop.

Inside the book, students move through simple routines like getting ready, walking into class, and following classroom expectations. Every page has interactive pieces that keep little hands busy while their brains make sense of what’s happening at school.

It’s super easy to use during morning meeting, SEL time, behavior lessons, or one-on-one practice. Teachers love it because it’s clear. Students love it because it’s hands-on. Everyone wins.

What’s Inside

  • A Social Skills Story
  • A friendly social story adapted book
  • Interactive matching pieces
  • Clear visuals made for SPED, autism classrooms, preschool, and early elementary

Great For

  • Back-to-school season
  • Teaching routines and transitions
  • Autism support
  • Speech sessions
  • Counseling and SEL

If you want a simple tool that helps students feel prepared and confident, this Story and adapted book is your new classroom buddy.

Safe Hands Story: Adapted Social Skills Story | Narrative with Visual Activity

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Help preschoolers learn how to use safe hands with this simple, engaging social skills story! Designed especially for young learners, this adapted story uses clear language and supportive visuals to teach the importance of keeping hands to ourselves in a positive and age-appropriate way.

This short story teaches the concept of “safe hands”—what it means, why it’s important, and how it looks in real life. Paired with simple, clear illustrations and a hands-on visual activity, this tool supports comprehension, regulation, and positive social interaction.

Perfect for:

  • Preschool and Pre-K
  • Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
  • Social-emotional learning (SEL)
  • Behavior support and classroom Expectations

What’s Included:

✅ Easy-to-read social story (kid-friendly text)

✅ Visual supports on every page, some detachable

✅ Printable with some Adaptable pages

✅ Great for whole-group lessons, small groups, or one-on-one use

This resource helps teachers, therapists, and parents gently guide children through real-life situations where they can make safe and kind choices. Great for supporting classroom expectations or helping individual students who need extra practice.

Why You’ll Love It:
* Clear visuals support comprehension
* Repetitive and predictable text builds confidence
* Easy to print, laminate

Start building safe habits with this friendly, visual social story your kids will love!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Safe-Hands-Story-Adapted-Social-Skills-Story-Narrative-with-Visual-Activity-14235333

More Social Skills Stories

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Safe-Body-Story-Interactive-No-Hitting-Social-Skills-Narrative-14750599

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Taking-Turns-Story-Adapted-Social-Skills-Story-Narrative-with-Visual-Activity-14287149

Making Mornings Magical: Resources for Preschoolers in Special Education

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Mornings can be tough for little ones and grown-ups alike! For preschoolers in special education, having a predictable, engaging morning routine can make a *big* difference in how the day goes. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or teacher, here are some simple, supportive resources to help start the day with confidence, joy, and calm.

Why Morning Routines Matter

  • Builds predictability.
  • Supports transitions
  • Encourages communication
  • Creates a sense of accomplishment

Here are some ideas to make mornings easier and more fun:

1. VISUAL SCHEDULES

  • Use pictures to show each step of the morning—wake up, brush teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast, etc.
  • Daily Classroom SCHEDULE

2. MORNING SONGS AND MOVEMENT

Start the day with music and motion to wake up the body and brain!

Songs to Try

“Hello Song” by Super Simple Songs

  “Good Morning” by The Learning Station

  “Wake Up Shake Up” by Kiboomu

3. MORNING WORK BINS

Simple, hands-on bins that children can explore after arriving at school or getting ready at home.

IDEAS FOR BINS AND TASK BOXES:

* MATCHING SHAPES AND COLORS

* Simple puzzles or stacking

* Velcro letter boards

* Sensory bins (rice, beans, water beads)

* Printable Worksheets & Activities

* PEG TASK CARDS

While WORKSHEETS need to be short and engaging for preschoolers, there are great modified versions available for all learners.

Try This Morning tracing (lines, shapes, names), matching, simple counting or weather charts.

A simple, consistent home routine helps bridge the gap between home and school.

1. Wake Up

2. Use the Bathroom

3. Brush Teeth

4. Get Dressed

5. Eat Breakfast

6. Put on Shoes

7. Pack Bag

You can create your own chart or grab a FREE TEMPLATE from my TPT Store

Every child is different—what works for one may not work for another. But with a little creativity, structure, and patience, mornings can become a positive and empowering part of the day.

How to Create and Use a Token Reward System for Positive Behavior.

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One of the most effective tools to encourage good behavior and promote independence is a Token Reward System. This simple, visual system can be tailored to any age or ability level.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through:

  • What a Token Reward System is
  • Why it works
  • Step-by-step instructions to create one
  • Ideas for classroom and home use
  • Tips to make it successful

What Is a Token Reward System?

A Token Reward System is a structured method where students earn tokens (e.g., stickers, coins, stars) for demonstrating specific, positive behaviors. Once they collect a certain number of tokens, they can trade them in for a preferred reward.

Think of it like a mini economy—students earn and “spend” tokens for desired outcomes.

Why It Works

  • Visual & tangible: Helps students see progress toward a goal
  • Predictable & consistent: Encourages routine and structure
  • Motivating: Taps into student interests and preferences
  • Teachable moments: Reinforces life skills like patience, saving, and goal-setting

Materials You’ll Need

  • Printable tokens or physical objects (stickers, plastic coins, Velcro stars)
  • Token board/chart (can be laminated paper, folder, or dry erase board)
  • List of reward choices (pictures and/or text)
  • Laminator (optional but helpful for durability)
  • Velcro dots or magnet tape (for attaching tokens)
  • Basket or menu of rewards (e.g., small toys, extra screen time, sensory items)

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Token Reward System

Step 1: Choose Target Behaviors

Pick 1–3 behaviors you want to reinforce, such as:

  • “Raise your hand before speaking”
  • “Complete tasks independently”
  • “Stay seated during circle time”

Keep it simple and positive. Phrase behaviors as things TO DO, not things to avoid.

Step 2: Design the Token Board

Here are two simple design ideas:

Design A: 5-Token Star Chart

  • Board has 5 empty star outlines
  • Each time the student earns a token, place a sticker/star in an outline
  • After 5 tokens, they get a reward

Design B: Velcro Token Strip

  • Use laminated board with 5–10 Velcro dots
  • Give a laminated token (smiley face, mini icon) to stick on each dot

You can find free token board templates online or create your own in Google Slides or Canva.

Step 3: Select Motivating Rewards

Pick 3–5 small, meaningful rewards. These could be:

  • Sensory toys (squish balls, fidget spinners)
  • 5 minutes of iPad time
  • A favorite snack
  • Extra recess
  • A classroom job (line leader, helper)

Pro Tip: Use a visual menu so students can choose their reward.

Step 4: Teach the System

Before using the system, model how it works:

  1. Explain the behavior you’re looking for
  2. Show how the student earns a token
  3. Demonstrate trading in tokens for a reward

Use visuals and social stories if needed. Practice a few rounds for fun!

Step 5: Start Using the System

  • Give immediate, specific praise when a token is earned:
    “Great job sitting quietly! Here’s a token!”
  • Help students track their progress
  • Let them choose a reward before you start

Consistency is key—make it part of your routine.

Ideas for Customization

  • Use themes like dinosaurs, superheroes, or animals
  • Allow students to personalize their token board
  • Digital version: Use apps like ClassDojo or Google Sheets
  • Portable boards: Attach small boards to clipboards or folders for inclusion settings

Tips for Parents at Home

  • Use a smaller-scale version (3-token board)
  • Focus on daily routines (brushing teeth, homework, bedtime)
  • Rewards can be free (extra bedtime story, one-on-one play time)
  • Keep communication open with your child’s teacher for consistency

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Too many target behaviors: Focus on just 1–2 at a time
  • Inconsistent token giving: Reinforce consistently or the system loses power
  • Rewards that don’t motivate: Choose what the student wants, not what you think they should want

Remember

A Token Reward System is more than just a behavior tool—it’s a way to build independence, self-esteem, and trust with your students. With a little preparation and consistency, this system can make a big difference in your classroom or home.

Start small. Be consistent. Celebrate the wins.

Here I’ve included a free printable template for a token board.