It has been forever since I blogged last! I think the last time I did was at the start of the school year when I found out I was accepted into the Masters program!  Well now as the year is ending, I am planning a wedding! Which is in a few weeks! Let's just say this past school year has been a crazy busy year.  With many many changes, for a bit I had a class and a half... that was fun! But it worked out because I got a co-teacher, bad part is next year that will not happen.

Now to get to my new favorite thing.... SONG BOOKS!  I love love love these books, a support coach at my school introduced me to them this past week!  Sorry no pictures, I need to work on making new one for next year but will share pictures this summer.  

We pick a few songs, right now my students love Shake It Off by Taylor Swift, Let it go from Frozen, and Good morning by Mandisa. We print out the lyrics and place them in a book.  Right now are books are a few sheets of paper, covered with a colored paper as a cover.  I am thinking of binders next year, but may use cardstock and laminate them this summer, then once back at school use the book binder to make books!

Here is how it works,  I play the song and allow them to dance around the first time, then we sit down and read (for those that can) and follow along with the song.  I make sure to project it on the board for my students as well.  I look for sing-a-longs if possible, gonoodle has a Frozen sing-a-long.  If we can't find a sing-a-long, I project my book on the board, we then look for different items within the song depending on students levels, I have one student who has to find a given letter, another group who is looking for sight words, and another who is looking for compound words.  My kids love these books! They are able to focus longer then normal, plus seem to really enjoy it, and I love that I can use this as a whole group lesson and can meet everyone needs!

Now a question to those who read this, I recently went to a sped training and the presenter told us that students focus better when work is presented on pink paper or students have a pink mat behind their work.  Have you ever heard this or used it in your classroom?  What do you think?

Thanks!

Schedules!
My special education friends will understand how one person changing their schedule can really affect a whole class.  With the second full week of school start, it seems many are still switching around their schedule.  I understand it does need to be done, but in our world it can make for many confused kids and even some melt downs.  It seems our kids get into their routine and next we are changing it up again.  It makes me wonder how others do their schedule, do you plan everything out the year before and adjust the first week as needed or plan right before the school year starts?
Do you work with the special education teacher or do you give them your schedule and have them go from that?

On the bright side, we are starting to get into our routine and things (knock on wood) are starting to very slowly run smooth!

Have a great week!

School started this past Thursday for the kids and this past Monday for me! Oh yeah, I am going back to school as well! This year is going to be a very busy year! 
I must say I have a great group of kids.  I have a lot of work ahead of me, but seeing the growth is worth the long hours.  I do feel I need this long weekend to get my VERY long to-do list done.  Does anyone else feel like their list just keeps getting longer and longer!  I add four things for each one I get to cross off.
My goal for the weekend is to make a small binder for each student.  Each binder will look a little different, because each child has a different set of needs.  The cover will have their schedule for the day on it and inside will have their different needs.  I am thinking of using smaller binders.  Any tips from any special education teacher out there?!
Hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend!

Hello all!
With a new school year full of many changes coming up, I figured I would start a blog to share all the fun and exciting changes this year has in store.
A little bit about me, I am starting my third year of teaching in North Carolina.  I teach special education in the elementary setting. I previously was a resource teacher and will now be teaching a self contained k-5 setting.  I am not originally from NC, but moved down here after college and being offered a teaching job.  I have two amazing dogs that are a little spoiled.
I love teaching and working with young kids.  Oh did I mention I am going back to school for my Masters! It is going to be a busy year.
Now I need ideas for a blog name! I was thinking something along the lines of A room where all gifts are celebrated. But I am thinking that is way to long!  Any ideas?
Thanks!