Where to start?

Working in a level II classroom involves a lot of organization and planning. The first place I start planning at the beginning of the school year is for my associates. I have 6 associates in my program. If I weren't organized with them, they would be at my desk each day during my precious planning time asking me what they can do :) 

So, below you will see a picture of my "message board". Each associate has their own mailbox (my .5 time associates share). At the beginning of the year, I write them a greeting letter and explain to them their expectations from me in the classroom. After they get the chance to read it, we talk about questions they have.  Their expectations looked something like this: 1 check your mailbox for important information, read your "to do" notebook and finish things, check the "mailbox", ask the classroom teacher if they need assistance with anything. Setting these expectations up from the start have made this year run so smoothly! AND,  we are all able to spend our time doing productive work. 

Also included on my message board posted is; my schedule, my associates schedules, my lesson plans/newsletters, and a weekly calendar where we jot down important events for the week.

In each mailbox includes:*Welcome letter*"To Do" notebook*Boardmaker necklace with picture expectations

Setting Up My Classroom

Oh--the joy of going back to school. This adrenaline rush beats through my veins. Once August hits, I eat, sleep, and breathe school. Everything I buy, read, or attend to has to deal with school. Maybe its missing my students, maybe its the excitement of seeing them again, or maybe its the readiness of the challenge the upcoming year will bring. You see, I don't have the typical classroom where students are quietly learning at their desks/tables and the teacher is in front of the class. You wont walk into my classroom and see small groups of students working together to enhance their learning. No, my room is much different...

I teach in a special education classroom. While it seems like chaos and does not look like a general education classroom, I guarantee learning goes on :)

I wanted to start a blog to aid special ed teachers. I am constantly on Pinterest or online looking for ideas. Now, I am not saying that my way is the end all, but I want to share ideas with other teachers what works for me. Also, things I have in my classroom may not align with beliefs of other school districts, but aligns with what my district believes in..

Thanks for looking :)