Our children rely on us to provide a sense of comfort and a routine that fits their needs. Some children adapt more easily transitioning from school to summer break. But, when a child feels friends are left behind and may be missing their teacher and classroom, it can really throw them for a loop. With some guidance and preparation, parents, teachers, and caregivers, can help ease your child into a happy and fun summer. 

Do you teach students with autism who struggle to be understood when they speak? Are you looking for an engaging, low prep way to help these students develop their speech skills?  I recently bought an Amazon Echo (Alexa) for my autistic son, and I’m amazed by how it is helping him improve the clarity of his speech.

Last February 14^th, on Valentine’s Day, our small community of Parkland, Florida, was turned upside down by a tragedy so reprehensible, that so needlessly took 17 innocent lives in just minutes. But it is not just the lives lost, it’s also those families who deal with missing their sons, daughters, or fathers every single day. It is watching the children who were injured, but survived, and saw more than anyone should ever see in their lifetime. It is listening to a parent speak about what it is like for their son, who will forever hold physical and emotional scars.

It’s time to go shoe shopping!

No, of course I’m just kidding, but you must admit it’s a great excuse to stock up on shoeboxes. Just when you’re in need of an extra center item or two, using homemade shoebox tasks can do the trick! You can change the tasks frequently, and have it align with a child’s IEP goals, target skill, or even as support for a lesson you are teaching. I wanted to share some that I have made, and I will be adding additional shoebox learning task templates as they are completed.

At least once a year, the team, which may consist of of family members, therapists, advocates, teachers, and the ESE specialist, gather in a formal setting to discuss the progress a student has or has not made during a specified time period. Before this meeting occurs, you, as the child’s teacher, will need to write an IEP (Individualized Education Plan).