Is it weird that I want to ask for nothing but TPT gift cards for Christmas? Last year I bought a laminator with my Christmas money, so I guess it’s not that weird.
There are just SO MANY good things on Teachers Pay Teachers! As a teacher in a self-contained SPED classroom, it can be challenging to find appropriate grade-level materials for my students. I am so thankful for Teachers Pay Teachers, because I honestly don’t know how else I would do it with the few resources I am provided.
Here are a few of my must-have items for the classroom:
Social Skills
Autism Adventures: The Behavior Basics Program)
Within reading the first 2 sentences of this bundle’s description, it was already in my cart. I find it so hard to find appropriate social skills lessons for my self-contained classroom. I am obsessed with Melissa Finch’s Behavior Basics Program. For $30, you get 13 weeks of lessons.There are different activities for each day of the week, including coloring pages, social stories, interactive notebooks, worksheets, and more. If you are looking for a new social skills program, I cannot say enough good things about this one.
Math
My Special Learners: Touch Money Packet
We are a classroom of visual and tactile learners. I am a HUGE fan of touch math and was so happy that I found this touch money bundle! The clip-it cards and file folders are perfect for independent work, especially for my 1st and 2nd graders. I can’t wait to add the hands-on piggy bank adaptive book to our library! I might have to make a copy for each student, because I don’t see them wanting to share this one! Haha!
Reading
Super Heroes in SPED: Wh- Question Cards
Do your students struggle to answer basic wh- questions? I LOVE that these flash cards come with with all 5 wh- questions!! While my students do well with “what” questions, answering “who, where, when, and why” can be a challenge. I can’t wait to laminate and bind these cards and use them in my classroom!
Homework
Autism Helper: Leveled Homework Bundle
Finding homework for my students was a nightmare when I first started teaching. I purchased this bundle during my first year in the self-contained classroom and it has seriously saved me SO much time! I was a little hesitant because of the price, but it is worth every penny! This bundle comes with a year of homework activities in three levels of difficulty. Added bonus: reading the student responses makes my heart happy.
Organization
Mrs. D’s Corner: The Ultimate Special Education Binder
It’s no wonder this IEP Caseload binder is one of the top 100 Best Sellers! It has everything you could possibly need to organize your caseload and MORE! If you are a first year teacher or an experienced teacher looking for better ways to stay organized, this is the binder for you!! I love the IEP and caseload snapshots. Plus, it comes in several different colors and themes! (I have the black and white version and have printed it on colored paper!)
Behavior Management
Especially Education: The Life-Changing Starter Kit for SPED
Each item in this starter kit was created with the self-contained classroom in mind. This bundle has everything you need to get your special education classroom started: data sheets, visuals, schedules, handouts, positive behavior supports, and more! But don’t just take my word for it. See what other teachers have to say about this product here!
Working with Paraprofessionals
Simply Special Ed: Paraprofessional Binder for the Special Education Classroom
With 4 new paras at my school, I was definitely in need of something that could easily explain class expectations. THIS. IS. PERFECT! Not only does Alyssa include editable descriptions of classroom responsibilities, but she also explains prompting hierarchy and inclusion duties as well.
What are YOUR must have items in the classroom?
Be sure to check out Kayla from My Special Learners to see what must-have items she’s purchased for her classroom!
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been drawn to people with special needs. It makes me happy to watch my students grow and progress with all their hard work. I truly believe I was put on this planet to work with these children.
If you’ve seen my posts recently, you may be thinking, “wow, Michaela sure has been posting a lot about her projects and activities! But why?”
Well, as a special education teacher in a self-contained classroom, I know how challenging it can be for my students to access the grade-level curriculum. Resources are limited and can require hours worth of accommodations and modifications.
The intention behind my TPT store is to provide teachers with adapted teaching materials that focus on the prerequisite skills needed to master grade-level standards and provide engaging, hands-on activities that make learning exciting and appropriate.
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