As a special education teacher, I know the challenge of differentiating instruction.
While my district provides a specialized reading and math curriculum for special education classrooms, they are seriously lacking in the science and social studies department.
“Oh, just take what the grade level is doing and modify that,” I was instructed, as a general education teacher handed me a 6-page multiple choice test to review as a guideline.
I will tell you this, though: one can only adapt the Declaration of Independence so much.
Differentiating Curriculum is Time-Consuming
I would spend hours planning my lessons and nearly twice the amount of time searching for resources and making accommodations and modifications to everything. It was truly exhausting.
The sole purpose of my TPT store is to provide teachers with resources that have already been adapted and meet the needs of their students.
I take the prerequisite skills needed to master grade-level standards and provide you with engaging, hands-on activities that make learning exciting and appropriate.
This week I tested out one of my science resources on magnets.
My students LOVED them.
And I’m not just saying that because I spent two weeks manipulating little boxes in PowerPoint and downloading more clip art than I should have.
I’m saying this because my kids were participating.
Hands-On Science Curriculum Kids Love
My students were excited to make predictions with their table tent prediction cards.
They were dashing around the room to test the magnetic properties of anything and everything in the classroom.
Most importantly, they were the little scientists I knew they could be and were accessing the grade-level curriculum in a way that best met their needs.
I love science and am so happy I found a way to make my students care even just a little bit more!
Science, Literacy, and Engagement—A Winning Combination!
Science should be an adventure, not a struggle—especially for our special education students! With hands-on, engaging lessons, we can spark curiosity and foster a love of learning in every child. Whether it’s exploring magnetism, making predictions, or testing theories, interactive science builds confidence and keeps students actively involved.
Want more structured, engaging lesson plans? The Made For Me Literacy curriculum blends literacy, science, and hands-on activities to create a well-rounded learning experience tailored for diverse learners.
From themed units to interactive learning centers, it’s all about making education accessible, fun, and meaningful for every student. Ready to bring science to life in your classroom? Check Made For Me Literacy on Teachers Pay Teachers and watch your students’ curiosity soar!
More insights and resources on implementing visual schedules and enhancing classroom management:
- Visual Recipes: What They Are & How to Use Them
- Day and Night (All Sorts of Science: Activities for Special Education)
- Friendship and Kindness Activities
- Upper Elementary Lesson Plans for Special Education
- Using Visuals to Manage Behaviors in the Classroom
- Adapting Literacy Activities for the Diverse Learning Needs of Early and Special Education Learners
Additional Especially Education “All Sorts of Science”
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