What are /r/specialed's favorite Products & Services?

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I'm not sure I can give you any profound insight here, but I do encourage you to simply share your experiences and what things you do at home to get more work productivity out of your son. Schools are more limited in how they can provide punishment, but there can certainly be natural consequences - e.g., if he doesn't complete work in class, he can take it home to be completed there.

I also encourage you not to cast out the idea of a reward system. Often reward systems aren't effective simply because the team isn't using rewarding rewards! So, a sticker chart may be junk to your son, but a free homework pass, or extra recess, or (fill in the blank) may be the best thing on Earth for him. All humans are motivated by rewards/reinforers; it's part of what defines us. Your school's challenge is finding what rewards are meaningful for your son. Check out this list of ideas.

We have a couple wiggle chairs and a big yoga ball. The wiggle chairs are perfect for those kids who just can’t sit still and need a safer way to move in their seat. This is almost exactly what we have:

ECR4Kids ACE Active Core Engagement Wobble Stool for Kids, Flexible Classroom & Home Seating, Kids’ Chair, Flexible Seating, Wiggle Chairs, 360 Degree Movement, 18-inch Seat Height, Seafoam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B94T5BV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Q2CQ7MXCE0CPPVBVD1Z9

I'm in a similar situation, with 8 kids who rarely leave my room. We're viewing our kids through a traumatological lens. It became pretty obvious that all of them had high ACE scores, and treating them differently than other kids is what we had to do to see any change in behaviour.

You describe kids as threatening to punch/shoot others, kicking desks, self-injurious behaviour, and making deliberate threats. All of these are markers for complex trauma. Threatening to take away recess time isn't going to help. Yelling (not that I'm saying you are) isn't going to help. And, unfortunately, calling home isn't going to help (in most cases -- complex trauma sometimes means ongoing trauma). These (are/could be) highly reactive kids who are deliberately provoking a reaction out of you because that's how they receive love at home.

A great book that's been helping me is Reclaiming Youth At Risk: Our Hope for the Future (Amazon link), plus anything by Bruce Perry. I'm not in your classroom and I don't know exactly the struggles your children face, but this book will be helpful for anyone, from sped to gened. But seriously, most of your post could have been written by me.

Bilingual school psychologist here. I'm glad you're asking this question; its important to tread very carefully.

Without knowing about the child, I'll give a quick overview. I did a presentation on this topic in more detail, which can be found here. *

• Any disability must exist in BOTH L1 (home language) and L2 (English/other).
• The team should consider the student's proficiency and if they require testing in L1 as well. A nonverbal measure by the psychologist should always be used. I often throw in an adaptive measure (Vineland or ABAS - parent and teacher - for good measure, if there are not other concerns (attention, emotionality).
• The tests should have norms reflective of the student's background. I like the KABC-II for many of my students.
• Student's English proficiency should be established by the ESL specialist, and used in part of the determination. They should be included in the team.
• I always err on the side of not finding a student eligible, and using the information gained to look at how we can provide accommodations in the regular education setting.
• Student's academic history, social history and exposure to trauma are significant.

If you're interested in more information check out Samuel Ortiz at St. John's in NY. This is also helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

I worked in a full day inclusive preschool classroom (about half kids with IEPS/half without). Some of the basics are the same, you're still adapting age-appropriate lessons/activities so that they're accessible for your students with disabilities. Your standards are just different (developmentally appropriate practices rather than just state academic standards). I was trained in using the Building Blocks model for students with disabilities. It functions similar to RTI, but focuses on younger students. I'd recommend taking a look at it if you have a chance. Here's the Amazon link. The book includes printable data sheets, behavioral guides, etc.

Some of the pros: 1. The kids can be a lot of fun. 2. Toddlers and preschoolers are naturally curious and eager to explore their environment, so it can be rewarding to facilitate that. 3. Even students with severe disabilities can make HUGE gains by the end of the year. Seeing that growth can be very encouraging 4. No death by standardized testing. 5. Lots of hands on activities!

Cons: 1. The little ones can be very needy, and they're not yet very good at navigating school settings. Some may have no idea how to do anything socially and have to be taught. Some people are fine with that, for others it gets grating. 2. They are tiring. You need a LOT of energy to keep up. I would come home and be wiped out by 8 after a day of running around chasing kids. 3. Lots of hands on activities means a lot of materials to keep track of and a lot of props to plan for. If you're not super organized it can end up being chaotic.

Response to Intervention and Precision Teaching by Kent Johnson and Elizabeth Street. It breaks down the uses of Precision Teaching, a behavioral, operant conditioning strategy, in the three tiers of RTI. One of the key components of PT is the Standard Celeration chart for the use of rigorous data collection.

https://www.amazon.com/Response-Intervention-Precision-Teaching-Classroom/dp/1462507611

Oh yeah I totally understand that keeping up with students comfortably is important. I may have to find some good polo shirts. I may have stayed in my emo phase but definitely out grew my early hot topic era haha. Most my shirts are more https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N7ZST6L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_GPY0VQ56QYC77QF67QZ5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 this style. Thank you again for the help

Last year because of covid I put a box around each student's desk with their color using colored masking tape from Amazon (ask your maintenance people before you do this, but masking tape shouldn't leave a residue). I tried my best to color code each student but by the end of the year it got a little crazy. The easiest things to color code are caddies (dollar tree or target), pencils (wherever), and playdoh (I actually got mine really cheap right before school started at Aldi). Once I bought the colored masking tape, I used it to label the kids other stuff too (task boxes, visuals, sensory tools). I am definitely buying more colored tape this year. It was much more useful than I thought it would be. This is the brand I buy. If you have any more specific questions, I can try to answer. Last year I taught K-3 life skills :)

Rolling milk crates are great, but also consider rolling craft bags like what scrapbookers use or rolling briefcases/small suitcases (like this, especially if you'll have to go outside. I found it easier to keep my papers organized in an upright version, but you might want to wait to find out what you'll be carrying around before buying something.

I did not attend this program but a couple of people I work with (and respect) did, and they speak highly of it: https://www.wgu.edu/online-teaching-degrees/special-education-masters-program.html Anecdotally there was a manga series a few years back called “With the Light” about a family raising an autistic child in Japanwith the Light that was translated to English. I learned a little about how services in Japan are (or were) different than the US: Good luck!

With the Light

You can print on to cardstock. They last almost as well, as long as the students are not prone to intentionally ripping the materials. Cardstock can be recycled unlike anything that is laminated.

I also use flash cards. And Bitsboard can fill part of the need (or maybe a different flash card app).

For things that will be manipulated daily like pull-off visual schedules you could try using something like a name badge holder. I have never done that, my student is gentler now and I have been able to stop laminating. What do you think of amazon link to id badge holders?

Rubber sponges are pretty neat, great tactile texture and floppy.
https://www.amazon.com/Lubrima-Silicone-Sponge-Dish-Accessories/dp/a/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=rubber+sponge&sprefix=rubber+spo&sr=8-3

I also love these floppy noodles. https://www.amazon.com/Stretchy-Versatile-Resilient-Resistant-Children/dp/B08238VR1S/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=sensory+noodles&sprefix=sensory+noodle&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyV1NPQ0Y1MDQzM...

For reading, writing and math--super teacher worksheets is great ($20 for a year).

I teach life skills to jr high as well and we never had curriculum so I was in your boat for awhile and it sucked. I had to design all my lessons from scratch and it took me forever.

I had admin order me these books off amazon and they were a LIFE CHANGER:

Life Skills Activities for Special Children https://www.amazon.com/dp/047025937X/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_fKRUwbFGYACSN

Social Skills Activities for Special Children https://www.amazon.com/dp/0470259353/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5KRUwbVAX5W35

Here is a link to the book on amazon in case anyone wants to look into it. I don't have any information or experience with the book but figured it would be helpful to link it if others wanted more information.

I am so sorry you are going through this situation. Sadly, you are not alone. Teachers who do not understand students with disabilities and who fail to respect them or even follow the law are much too common. There are some who get it, and there are many who could, if only the school district or education colleges actually bothered to make sure they were given the proper professional development in the first place. If you have had a positive experience with a teacher in the past, I urge you to reach out to them for a bit of guidance.

Also, I strongly urge you to get a copy of the book From Emotion to Advocacy by Wrights Law. If you can’t buy it, the odds are very good it’s in your public library. This is my bible as a parent of children with IEPs and as a special education advocate for other families. I think the communication tips in the book will be invaluable for you, particularly since you have been put in the position of being your own advocate.

And FYI, your suspension for three days might qualify you for a manifestation hearing, if you have had other suspensions that add up to ten days in the school year. But you must appeal the suspension right away through official channels for it to be legally required. Please try to avoid being suspended again, if you have any control over the situation, but be aware of your rights if it does happen.

Medicine! Aspirin, tums, anti-diarrhea, cough drops... it's no bueno when you can tell something is coming on and you're not prepared.

Also, a good set of pens is always nice. I don't mean the flair pens... I always get myself these as a beginning of the year treat. I can do professional stuff in blue and black and I grade with other colors. I don't like using red. 🙂

Replace the caster wheels with these.

I wore scrubs when I worked in a multiple disabilities classroom where we had students with severe medical needs. I got some off of Amazon “athletic fit” they were amazing, very comfortable, and didn’t look too hospitalish that it was off putting.

https://www.amazon.com/Med-Couture-Activate-Pocket-X-Small/dp/B01LDIRU3C?pd_rd_w=C4spu&content-id=amzn1.sym.1db61dc1-18bd-4e84-ade3-9872a4852ad6&pf_rd_p=1db61dc1-18bd-4e84-ade3-9872a4852ad6&pf_rd_r=YESJ6HMTM1ED47DMVAMH&pd_rd_wg=XPW...

We use tool storage for like nails and what not for the visuals. Let me see if I can find one to link for you.

option 1

option 2

https://www.amazon.com/Science-Making-Friends-DVD-Challenged/dp/1118127218/ref=sr_1_1_nodl?crid=1UYB88N6BJPHI&dchild=1&keywords=the+science+of+making+friends&qid=1612044322&s=books&sprefix=the+science+of+ma%2Cstripbooks%2C202&a...

https://www.amazon.com/MindUP-Curriculum-Brain-Focused-Strategies-Learning/dp/0545267145/ref=sr_1_1_sspa_nodl?crid=3HKKSU49U2TFS&dchild=1&keywords=the+mindup+curriculum&qid=1612127349&sprefix=the+mindup%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-1-spons...

It’s grade level, but this is the most fantastic physics lab book. It gives you everything you need ..but you’ll have to modify. If kids were ace students, they could fully self-teach using this book. It hand holds the teacher. It’s fabulous…as long as you have a good stock room. I’ll DM you with something you might be interested in.

Hands-On Physics Activities with Real-Life Applications: Easy-to-Use Labs and Demonstrations for Grades 8 - 12 https://www.amazon.com/dp/087628845X/

Here is an art model that’s pretty neat:

ABROBROKI Body Kun Doll, Artists Manikin Blockhead Jointed Mannequin Drawing Figures for Figure Model Male+Female Set (Skin Color) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S6TB5RZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_HQXA72N02YGXWDQC1FH4?psc=1

There is no one resource for autism because all autism are different. That said, I really like:

The Autism Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Teachers https://www.amazon.com/dp/0470434082/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YEMBJXQQEK1DAHPVBVDW

A teacher guide to becoming a millionaire

Welcome to the profession! Take a look at this and set yourself up right from the beginning!!

Read this: A teachers guide to becoming a millionaire

Read this: A teachers guide to becoming a millionaire

Read this: A teachers guide to becoming a millionaire

Read this

Sure! They're basically tubes that curve on both ends so they're shaped like a phone, and they carry the sound from the child's mouth to their ears. It makes it so they can hear what they're saying louder. It was originally developed for reading, so that kids could read to themselves out loud without disturbing others, but I've found it to be quite adaptable for other purposes.

Here's a link, there are a whole bunch of options on Amazon and other sites, but this is a sample

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BX5NJVJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_2EQTWF08MSFPSA3YBYK7

When I first began teaching in the early '90s, I had a book called "Mathematics Their Way." It may have been the original source of "task box" activities. I think it's fairly easy to find the book online.https://www.amazon.com/Mathematics-Their-Way-Mary-Baratta-Lorton/dp/0201004941

I wear a waist apron at work. They’re so popular with teachers that my admin ended up bulk ordering them with our school logo!

They’re really handy for keeping math manipulatives, post it’s, dry erase markers, and most importantly—your phone!

You can get them really cheap on amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008R48RSS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Fs4HDbKJ4QBZB

This came out recently. The kindle version is available immediately but the printed book will take ages to get. This is quickly becoming the new Bible for distance learning.

The Distance Learning Playbook, Grades K-12: Teaching for Engagement and Impact in Any Setting https://www.amazon.com/dp/1071828924/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DheiFbF1YYYWJ

I’ve written a short handbook covering the important elements of #Phonics. It will be out on Wednesday.

99p. Read it on your iPad or iPhone in full colour:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZNT8D6P

The colour paperback will be available later in the week.

this book really helped me with my class/practice. I’ve taught in therapeutic classrooms for about 12 years now and it was a game changer.

Also, getting trained on collaborative problem solving helped immeasurably.

I am so sorry, that sounds incredibly tough. Just for reference, they do make kevlar gloves, if you want them.

It sounds like you've done a lot for a month. If they won't let you do CPI training my honest suggestion is to bring in a pillow or even a gym/nap mat that you can hold in front of you and safely block yourself. Obviously never use it to push him, but as long as you're merely protecting yourself it can serve as a stand-in until they correct that rule. You should have a right to be safe in your own room.

t.a. here. moon sand. glitter bottles. glitter bottles. boxes of uncooked rice to play with if they're mature/funcitonal/whatever word enough to handle it. my students go crazy for that. ya just cant go wrong with play doh, never ever... it's harmless and no one will get hurt with it. if they aren't throwers (lol I wouldnt be optimistic about my students, at least not overly so... they're throwers alright) but those abascus toys are cool

I absolutely love when my student hasone of those plush story books..... at least in my case it's quite skill/functionality appropriate and ahhhh the sweet feeling or relief when no one can get hurt with a toy

I would go with Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman. The plot line is simple and interesting. And it has a line that runs throughout that the kids can somewhat pick out. There are really good pictures too.

I bought this to record my IEP meetings and it works well.

Sony ICDPX370 Mono Digital Voice Recorder with Built-in USB, black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XFTWCBJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_IMC8CrpkbOGG5

Good luck.

I teach in a self-contained SPED class. I have a calendar on my wall with all my dates on it. I use Outlook to book my IEPs online. I have a spread sheet of my entire caseload. It has their first name, the annual date, the tri date, and the date I propose to do the meeting. I also have a check box for OT, SLP, and other providers. In one district I added an ELL box because it was needed. I put that up by my desk. It helps me not forget meetings. I have a one of these hanging behind my desk for important papers I don't want to lose. I keep one pocket for business cards that I need to save. I only have 16 kids so I also have one that is 30 pockets and have one file for each kid.

I have that one. That is a good book. I have this one too and it comes with a CD.

I love my highlighters that have erasers! For use in textbooks, I use these: Pilot Frixion Light Fluorescent Ink Erasable Highlighter Pen and for plain ole paper I use these: Erasable Highlighters With Chisel Tips

I have incredibly high arches so I wear more orthotic style shoes. Taos sneakers are good when the pant hems make it less notable. I know the price is steep, but good shoes are worth the investment so I bought these: https://www.amazon.com/Naot-Kedma-Womens-Flat/dp/B00L5FXAE2. Best dress shoe that has some height but not a heel.

I recommend giving the students an individual test, then supporting them as needed: Jane needs help with time management, but Bob needs test-taking skills. If you ever feel lost, I have the perfect guide: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Outside-Lines-Disabilities-Educational/dp/068486598X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472438516&sr=8-1&keywords=learning+disabilitys+in+ivy

Other than the terrible name, these seem to be popular with older students and seem less childish in appearance Fidget

I STRONGLY recommend reading Melrose's book Why Students Underachieve. It explains the impact of trauma on the brain and how students with traumatic experiences are more easily triggered. She also gives great ideas on how to work with those students. As a special ed teacher, this book has had a huge impact on me.