​As a teacher, I loved creating opportunities for parents to join the students in the school setting. I learned how most special needs parents feel like they will never experience things such as shows, awards ceremonies, or any other in school related activities with their children. I wanted to change that perspective and create opportunities for parent involvement. I am going to tell you about some of my experiences and how I handled them.

Do your students struggle with handwriting skills or fine motor tasks? Then these are MUST HAVE centers in your classroom! Despite your grade levels, these centers can be tailored to meet the varying skills of students from PreK-12th grade. 

As always, New Years are about creating resolutions, goals and new expectations. As a Special Education teacher, I look at it as a new way to challenge your class, your students, and your expectations for your class. 

It is that time again! I can't believe school has started already! If you are a self-contained teacher, I know how overwhelming it can be. There are some many things that you need to do to get started. You probably feel like the tasks are never ending. I remember during the first quarter, I used to get kicked out of the campus by my custodians. They used to call out my name on the PA system and tell me "pack up or we will lock you up!!". Embarrassing and crazy... I know! The worse part was that I would often take the work home as well to continue working. But the truth is one way or another things will get done. Throughout my years, I learned tricks to make the beginning of the school year easier. I focused on things that take priority and got smarter on planning for class. I really wish that I would have had someone to direct in the beginning. Instead it took at least three to five years to learn these things. I want to save you those learning years and start guiding you to a better beginning of the year. I am here to make your life easier! If you are a newbie or a veteran struggling to get new ideas or ways to organize yourself.... I wanted to share 5 steps on how plan for your self contained class. You are probably thinking how can it be done in 5 steps????? These steps will be help you plan to a successful classroom set up.

 I don't know about you but I love teaching my students using themes! You can cover so many core subjects by using themes. My goal this year is to help teachers start connecting the core subjects together to help their students to learn and most importantly have fun! 
    You may be asking yourself, does this work???? The answer is YES. My co-worker and I created and utilized this same format while teaching summer school (ESY) during distance learning via video conferences. Students were engaged and we were having fun while learning. 
    So, to start the school year, I have created the first theme for the beginning of the school year. ​