Pre-Planning for a Self-Contained Classroom

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.

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.

Step 1: Get to know your students: IEPs, Goals, & Behavior Plans
Step 2: Classroom Physical Layout & Structure
Step 3: Master Class & Zone Schedule
Step 4: Student Schedules & Visuals
Step 5: Prepare Centers & Materials

5 Steps! I know it seems simple; however, each task will involve various tasks.

The sooner you begin to pre-plan, the less headache and rush you will have to deal with later.
If you would like to learn more about this, I have created an E-book to support you. It will give details on each step, pictures and more. If you are not in the mood for a book or you would just like a simplified version. You can always just get the checklist. This is an easy way to check off as you complete.
We hope these tools are useful!
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